Website owners frequently inquire about the optimal WordPress featured image size, as it plays a significant role in enhancing website performance and user experience. In this article, we will explore the concept of featured images, their dimensions, how to adjust their sizes, and best practices for effective usage.
Table of Contents
- What is the featured image in WordPress?
- What is the size of the featured image in WordPress?
- How to set a featured image in WordPress Post or Page?
- How to change featured image size in WordPress?
- Common Issues & Best Practices For WordPress Featured Images
What is the featured image in WordPress?
The featured image in WordPress serves as the primary visual for a post or page. It is typically displayed prominently at the top of the content and acts as a thumbnail in archives and social media shares. Think of it as the cover of a book, providing a visual introduction to your content.
What is the size of the featured image in WordPress?
The recommended WordPress featured image size is 1200 x 628 pixels, but this can vary depending on your theme and settings. WordPress offers default image sizes that can be adjusted based on your needs:
- Thumbnail: 150 x 150 pixels
- Medium: 300 x 300 pixels
- Large: 1024 x 1024 pixels
- Full Size: Original dimensions of the uploaded image
How to set a featured image in WordPress Post or Page?
Setting a featured image is straightforward:
- Log in to your WordPress Admin dashboard.
- Open the post or page where you want to add a featured image.
- Locate the “Featured Image” panel in the right-hand sidebar.
- Click “Set featured image” to upload a new image or select one from your media library.
- Publish or update your post.
How to change featured image size in WordPress?
You can alter the featured image size through the WP-Admin Dashboard or by using plugins. Alternatively, advanced users can modify the functions.php file.
Changing Featured Image Size from WP-Admin
To adjust image sizes:
- Log in to your WordPress Dashboard.
- Navigate to Settings > Media.
- Modify the pixel dimensions for thumbnail, medium, and large image sizes.
Using a Plugin For Custom Featured Image
For more control over featured image sizes, consider using plugins like Quick Featured Images or Featured Image from URL (FIFU) for bulk updates and quick edits.
Common Issues & Best Practices For WordPress Featured Images
Blurry Images
Blurry images often result from incorrect sizes or low-resolution images. Always use high-quality images with the right dimensions.
Incorrect Cropping
Sometimes, WordPress crops images poorly. Use plugins like Crop-Thumbnails to manually adjust cropping.
Featured Image Too Big or Small
Ensure your featured image fits the viewport by checking your theme settings and adjusting the image accordingly.
Slow Loading Times
Large images can slow down your website. Use optimised images to balance quality and loading speed. Tools like TinyPNG and Smush can help compress images without quality loss.
Using Responsive Images
Implement responsive images using the ‘srcset’ attribute or plugins to enhance viewing across devices.
Adding Alt Text, Caption and Image Name
Add Alt Text and captions for better SEO and accessibility. This helps search engines understand your images.
Using Videos As Featured Images
Some themes allow videos as featured images, but consider the impact on site speed.
By following these guidelines, you can maximise the effectiveness of your featured images and improve your website experience. For additional support, consider our WordPress website care plans. Contact us for a free consultation.
