Using the Design Tools Image Uploader
Image Tips
The Upload/Embed image option is available in the rich content editor toolbar. This will allow you to upload images quickly to pages or assignments. Students can also use the Image Uploader option in discussions. The other Design Tools functions (Multi Tool and Design Tools panel) are not available to students. It is important to consider some general guidelines when selecting images.
- Select Meaningful Images - Choose images that are meaningful to the subject of your course.
- Avoid Cheesy Images - Avoid excessive use of clip art and decorative images in course.
- Choose High Quality Images - Avoid using poor quality images that are blurry and have jagged bitmapped edges. See the image resources below for good sources for images.
- Make Sure Images are Accessible - Make sure images have meaningful alternative text. View the accessibility guidelines pages for more information on how to make your course content accessible.
View the tabbed menu below to learn more.
How to Access the Image Uploader
Edit a page or assignment. (1) Place your cursor where you wish the picture to display on the page. (2) In the toolbar click the V icon and select Upload/Embed Image in the menu.
The Upload/Embed Image dialog box will appear. (1) Click Choose an Image to locate an image on a local drive on your computer. (2) The image will appear on crop area. If the image is not a banner image you can resize the crop area and pixel size of the image. If the image is a banner image, be sure the image will fill the full content area. (3) Click Crop & Resize Image to upload and embed the image on the page.
Special Considerations for Banner Images
If you plan on using the home page themes (See Edit/Create tutorial), there are some special considerations to think about when choosing images. Review the numbered items below.
- Size and Dimensions - The image you choose should have minimum size of 1100 x 300 pixels. Larger images will be resized or cropped. Some themes require a 10:3 aspect ratio to accommodate the navigation bar. Use aspect ratio feature in the image uploader to be sure your image will not distort and is in the correct aspect ratio.
- Visual Meaning - Choose images that can be cropped without losing the intended visual meaning. Banner images are typically decorative images and Design Tools will mark them as decorative.
Image Resources
Below are great places to find high quality images. These resources are open educational resources unless otherwise stated. Be sure to credit creators when you use images.