The WordPress Media Library (Media in the dashboard) stores every image, PDF, video and audio file you upload. Upload files by dragging them in, then edit the title, alt text and caption, crop or scale images, and copy file URLs. Resize photos to the size you need (around 1200 to 1600px wide for most website images) and compress them before uploading, because large files are the most common cause of slow WordPress sites.
- Always add alt text describing meaningful images.
- Resize and compress before uploading.
- Use descriptive file names, not IMG_4021.jpg.
- WebP images are much smaller than JPG or PNG.
- Deleting a file in Media removes it everywhere it is used.
How do you use the Media Library?
| Task | Where |
|---|---|
| Upload | Media, Add New, or drag into any image widget |
| Alt text and title | Click the file, Attachment details |
| Crop, rotate, scale | Edit Image button |
| Copy URL | Copy URL to clipboard |
| Grid or list view | View toggle at the top |
| Filter | By type or month |
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What image size should you upload?
Imagine a photographer uploading 6000px, 8 MB photos straight from the camera to a gallery. The page takes ten seconds on mobile. Resizing to 1600px and compressing to WebP made each image around 200 KB with no visible quality loss. A full chart of recommended sizes is in ideal image sizes for websites; for alt text see how to write alt text.
How do you keep the library organised?
- Rename files before upload (service-name-location.jpg).
- Delete unused test images.
- Use an optimisation plugin to compress and convert on upload.
- Upload PDFs with clear names for brochures and menus.
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Frequently asked questions
Where is the WordPress media library?
In the dashboard under Media. It stores all uploaded images, PDFs, videos and audio files.
What size images should I upload to WordPress?
Around 1200 to 1600 pixels wide for most website images, compressed, ideally as WebP.
How do I add alt text in WordPress?
Click an image in Media and fill in the Alternative Text field.
Can I edit images inside WordPress?
Yes. The Edit Image button lets you crop, rotate, flip and scale images.
Sources
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Tanvir H is a Bangladesh-based WordPress and Elementor web designer with 7+ years of experience, 650+ projects and a 4.9 client rating. New websites, redesigns, fixes, speed, security and SEO, handled by one expert who explains everything in plain English and works with clients worldwide.
