I’m here to guide you through adding images to your Joomla articles, both within the content and as intro or full article featured images. I’ll also compare Joomla’s approach to WordPress, so you can see how they differ. Let’s dive into this step-by-step guide to make your articles visually engaging!
Why Add Images to Joomla Articles?
Images bring your blog articles to life, grabbing attention and enhancing your content. You can embed images directly in the article text or use the editor's images feature to add intro and full article images. Unlike WordPress, Joomla separates intro and full article images for more control over layout displays, while WordPress relies on a single featured image. This tutorial covers both methods to help you get started.
Understanding Intro and Full Article Images
In Joomla 5, the Intro Image appears in blog or category layouts, like a thumbnail preview, while the Full Article Image shows when the full article is viewed. For example, I use an Intro Image for a teaser in my blog list and a Full Article Image for a header image in the article itself. In WordPress, you’d set one featured image, which serves both purposes, often requiring plugins for similar flexibility. Joomla’s built-in dual-image system is a handy distinction!
Step-by-Step Guide to Adding Images in Joomla 5
Follow these steps to add images to your Joomla 5 article, either embedded in the content or as intro/full article images. I’ll walk you through each process clearly.
1. Log In to the Administrator Dashboard
I start by logging into my Joomla Administrator Dashboard. From here, you can go to Content > Media in the left navigational column and add your images first. However, I recommend creating your article first and then using the editor to upload and insert your images.
2. Open or Create an Article
I navigate to Content > Articles in the left navigational column. To edit an existing article, click its title; to create a new one, click the New button.
3. Embed an Image in the Article Content
In the article editor (TinyMCE by default), I place my cursor where I want the image. I click the Image icon in the toolbar, then select Insert Media. This opens the Media Manager, where I can upload a new image or choose an existing one from my images folder. After selecting the image, I click Insert, adjust settings like alignment or size if needed, and save the changes.
I will use this tutorial as an example by inserting the following screenshots:
Note: Joomla’s Media Manager offers a lot more functionality compared to WordPress’s Media Library. Joomla integrates it directly into the editor, including giving you the option to have different images, one for the intro and one for your article's full featured image, while WordPress gives you just one option.
4. Add an Intro Image
With your editor open, switch to the Images and Links tab above the editor. In the Intro Image section, I click Select to open the Media Manager, choose or upload an image, and click Insert. I can add alt text for accessibility and a caption if desired. This image appears in blog or category layouts.
5. Add a Full Article Image
Still in the Images and Links tab, I scroll to the Full Article Image section. I click Select, choose or upload an image via the Media Manager, and click Insert. I add alt text and a caption if needed. This image displays when the full article is viewed.
Comparison to WordPress: WordPress’s single featured image would serve both roles, but you’d need CSS or plugins to control its display in different contexts, unlike Joomla’s built-in fields for adding image details and positioning.
6. Save Your Article
I click Save & Close in the toolbar to save my article and return to the Articles list. Alternatively, I can use Save to keep editing or Save to Menu to link the article to a menu (more on that in my next tutorial).
Tips for Success
- Optimize images before uploading (e.g., compress to under 1MB) for faster page loads.
- Always add alt text to images for accessibility and SEO.
- Preview your article on the frontend to check how the intro and full article images display.
- Unlike WordPress, Joomla’s intro/full image fields don’t require extra plugins for layout control, so experiment with your template’s settings!
What’s Next?
With images added to your Joomla article, your content is ready to shine! In my next tutorial, I’ll guide you through creating menu items to make your articles easily accessible to visitors.
Continue to the Next Tutorial: Creating Menu Items