Choosing your images

When selecting images for your post,  it’s important to think about what it adds to the story. As this is a blog post, please avoid using detailed figures or data-heavy graphs. Instead, aim to add images that showcase the key points, to capture the reader’s attention and help them to understand the science discussed. This could be striking images from the research, pictures of science in action, or of the team themselves. For inspiration, please feel free to check out our Instagram Account for examples of engaging images.  If you aren’t sure if you can use a certain image in your post, please refer to our Community Guidelines or get in touch with us for advice.

As well as images, videos are also a great way to increase engagement with your post. 

For a step-by-step explanation, please see the details below...

Adding a poster image

Including a ‘Poster Image’ to the top of your post will help to grab attention and engage readers from the Research Communities’ homepage and email updates. You can use an image from the post or a separate one that reflects the post’s theme.

For the best fit, poster images should be at least 1280 x 960 pixels in size.

Once you’ve selected the image you want to add, in the post creation page, click on the ‘Poster Image’ tab, and then ‘Select Image’ (shown right). This will open a window showing any previous images you have uploaded to your own ‘Image Library’.

To upload a new image, click ‘Upload New’, then either drag and drop your image into the box, or click ‘browse your device’ to upload it from your device’s files. After choosing your image, make sure to save your post.

Adding an image to your blog post text

In addition to a striking poster image, adding images within the body of your blog post can really help readers to navigate your post. 

Once you’ve selected the  image you would like to insert, click on the line you would like it to appear on, then select the ‘Image’ button (shown right).

This will open an ‘Insert/Edit Image’ window. Selecting ‘Upload’ to drag and drop your image into the page or browse your device for the image.

If you then move to the ‘General’ tab, you can add a caption (Image title) and alternative description of the image before saving and uploading it to your post.

Ensuring your images are accessible and inclusive

It is important that all images and videos included in your post are accessible for all users of the Research Communities. This includes adding a clear alternative description for images and captions for videos. For more information on making your images accessible, take a look at our post on accessibility and widening reach.