Medium is a popular platform for writers to share their thoughts and ideas with a large audience. One of the key elements of a well-formatted Medium article is the use of images. Images can help break up long blocks of text, make the article more visually appealing, and even enhance the message of the article. However, formatting images in Medium can be confusing for new users.
To begin with, it’s important to understand the recommended image size for Medium. According to Medium’s help center, images should be at least 900 pixels wide, with a recommended size of 1400 pixels for column-wide images. Additionally, it’s important to consider the placement of the image within the article. Images should be relevant to the content and placed in a way that enhances the reading experience.
When uploading images to Medium, there are a few formatting options available. Users can choose to upload images from their desktop or insert images directly from Unsplash, a popular stock photo site. It’s also possible to drag and drop images directly into the article. Understanding these options and how to use them effectively can help elevate the visual appeal of your Medium articles.
Understanding Medium’s Image Formatting
When it comes to adding images to your Medium articles, it’s important to understand the platform’s image formatting guidelines. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your images are displayed correctly and enhance the overall visual appeal of your article.
Here are some key points to keep in mind when formatting images in Medium:
- Image size: Medium recommends using images that are at least 1400 pixels wide for full column-width images and 2040 pixels wide for out-set images. Screen-width images should be no wider than 2500 pixels. Keep in mind that larger images may take longer to load and may not display properly on all devices.
- Image placement: You can choose from four different image placement options in Medium: floating, full column-width, out-set, and screen-width. Each option has its own recommended image size, so be sure to choose the appropriate placement for your image.
- Image format: Medium supports a variety of image formats, including JPEG, PNG, and GIF. However, keep in mind that GIFs may not play automatically on all devices.
- Image attribution: If you use an image from a source other than your own, be sure to give proper attribution. Medium makes it easy to add attribution for images from Unsplash, but you’ll need to manually add attribution for other sources.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your images are displayed correctly and enhance the overall visual appeal of your Medium article.
Choosing the Right Image
When it comes to selecting the right image for your Medium article, it’s important to consider both the quality and relevance of the image. Here are some tips to help you choose the perfect image for your article.
Image Quality
The quality of your image is crucial to the overall appearance of your article. Low-quality images can make your article look unprofessional and unappealing. Here are some things to keep in mind when selecting an image:
- Choose high-resolution images: High-resolution images will look sharp and clear, even when viewed on high-definition screens.
- Avoid pixelated or blurry images: These types of images can be distracting and take away from the overall quality of your article.
- Use images that are well-lit and in focus: Images that are poorly lit or out of focus can be difficult to see and detract from the overall quality of your article.
Image Relevance
The relevance of your image is just as important as the quality. Your image should be related to the content of your article and help to convey your message. Here are some things to keep in mind when selecting an image:
- Choose images that are relevant to your article: Your image should help to enhance the message you are trying to convey.
- Avoid using generic stock photos: Generic stock photos can be overused and may not be relevant to your specific article.
- Make sure your image is legally obtained: If you do not have the rights to an image or do not properly credit the photographer or source, your article may be rejected.
By keeping these tips in mind, you can select the perfect image for your Medium article that will enhance the overall quality and relevance of your content.
Uploading Images to Medium
When it comes to formatting images in Medium articles, uploading them is the first step. There are two ways to upload images to Medium: uploading directly and importing from a URL.
Uploading Directly
To upload an image directly to your Medium article, follow these steps:
- On your post, go to a new line and click the button on the left to expand the menu.
- Click the Image button to upload an image from your desktop.
- Choose the image file you want to upload and wait for it to upload.
- Once the image is uploaded, you can resize it by clicking on it and dragging the corners.
It’s important to note that Medium has some guidelines for images. Images must be in JPEG, PNG, or GIF format, and the maximum file size is 5MB. Additionally, images should be at least 1200px wide for optimal display on Medium.
Importing from a URL
Another way to upload images to Medium is by importing them from a URL. Here’s how:
- On your post, go to a new line and click the button on the left to expand the menu.
- Click the Image button to open the image upload menu.
- Click the “Import from URL” button.
- Enter the URL of the image you want to import and click “Import.”
- Wait for the image to import and then resize it by clicking on it and dragging the corners.
Importing images from a URL can be a convenient option if you have images hosted on another website or platform. However, it’s important to make sure that you have the rights to use the image before importing it into your Medium article.
Overall, uploading images to Medium is a straightforward process that can greatly enhance the visual appeal of your articles. By following these steps, you can easily add images to your Medium articles and make them more engaging for your readers.
Medium’s Image Layout Options
Medium offers several image layout options to help you showcase your images in the best possible way. Here are the five different image layout options available on Medium:
Inline
Inline images are the most common type of images used in Medium articles. These images are placed within the text and are typically smaller in size. They can be left, right, or center-aligned, and the text will wrap around them. Inline images are great for breaking up long blocks of text and adding visual interest to your article.
Breaking
Breaking images are larger than inline images and are placed between paragraphs, creating a visual break in the text. These images are great for emphasizing a particular point or idea in your article. Breaking images can be left, right, or center-aligned, and the text will wrap around them.
Column
Column images are wider than breaking images and span the entire width of the column. They are typically used to showcase infographics or other images that require a wider canvas. Column images are great for adding visual interest to your article and breaking up long blocks of text.
Outset
Outset images are larger than column images and are placed outside of the text column. They are typically used to showcase full-bleed images that require more space. Outset images are great for creating a dramatic effect and adding visual interest to your article.
Fullscreen
Fullscreen images are the largest type of images used in Medium articles. They are typically used to showcase high-quality images that require the entire screen. Fullscreen images are great for creating a visual impact and adding visual interest to your article.
In conclusion, Medium’s image layout options offer a variety of ways to showcase your images in your articles. By choosing the right layout option for your images, you can enhance the visual appeal of your article and make it more engaging for your readers.
Adjusting Image Size and Position
When adding images to your Medium article, it is important to adjust their size and position to ensure that they fit in with the overall design and layout of your article. Medium offers several placement options for images, including floating, full column-width, out-set, and screen-width images.
To adjust the size of your image, select the image and choose one of the placement options. Keep in mind that your image must be at least 1192px wide for all placement options to appear, and the editor supports images up to 25MB in size. Medium recommends using 1400px wide images for full column-width images, 2040px wide images for out-set images, and 2500px wide images for screen-width images. However, anything above 2500px is unnecessary and can slow down your article’s load time.
To adjust the position of your image, simply drag and drop the image to the desired location within your article. You can also use the alignment options in the image toolbar to align your image to the left, center, or right of your article.
When adding multiple images to your article, it is important to maintain a consistent size and alignment for a cohesive and professional look. Consider using a grid or gallery layout to showcase your images in a visually appealing way.
Remember to always optimize your images for web use by compressing them to reduce file size without sacrificing quality. This will help ensure that your article loads quickly and smoothly for your readers.
Adding Image Captions
Adding captions to images in your Medium article is an essential part of formatting. Captions provide context and additional information to the reader, helping them better understand the image and its relevance to the article. Here’s how you can add captions to your images in Medium:
- Click on the image you want to add a caption to.
- Start typing your caption, and it will appear beneath the image.
- Please note that Medium does not support italicizing text in image captions.
It’s important to keep your captions concise and to the point. Avoid making exaggerated or false claims about the image, and ensure that your caption accurately reflects the content of the image.
Adding captions to your images can also help with accessibility. Screen readers can read out the captions to visually impaired readers, providing them with a better understanding of the image and its relevance to the article.
In summary, adding captions to your images is an essential part of formatting your Medium article. It provides context and additional information to the reader, helps with accessibility, and ensures that your article is well-structured and easy to read.
Final Thoughts on Image Formatting
In conclusion, formatting images in Medium articles is crucial to make your content more visually appealing and engaging for readers. Here are some key takeaways to keep in mind when formatting images in your Medium articles:
- Choose high-quality images that are relevant to your content and add value to your article.
- Use the appropriate image formatting option, such as left-indented, regular, large, or overfill, based on the type and size of your image.
- Avoid using too many images in your article, as it can distract readers from your main message.
- Use alt text for your images to make your content more accessible for visually impaired readers and improve your SEO.
- Test your article on different devices and screen sizes to ensure that your images are displayed correctly and enhance your content.
By following these best practices for image formatting in Medium articles, you can make your content more engaging, accessible, and effective in delivering your message to your audience.