Wikipedia:Image dos and don'ts

Images make Wikipedia more informative, accessible, and professional.

In general, when working with images:

DO: Review the image style guide and use policy. Add helpful captions and alt text. Try to find at least one image for each article. Look for free images. Clean up images: crop, color-correct, etc. Create and upload your own images. Use the best file format for each image. Use objects for scale where helpful.

DON’T: Don't upload non-free images. Don't use images in place of tables or charts. Don't overload articles with images or create random gallery sections. Don't add images that are not relevant. Don't flip faces, text, or works of art. Don't set fixed image sizes. Don't sandwich text between two images. Don't refer to images by their placement. Don't add images that give undue weight to minor topics.

See also

Policy and guidelines

• Image use policy
• Manual of Style for images
• File names

Help pages

• Creation and usage of media files
• Introduction to uploading images
• Picture tutorial