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WordPress

How to upload images and files

Step-by-step instructions for uploading images, PDFs, and other files to your WordPress media library from your computer or mobile device.

wordpressmediabeginnergetting-started

Uploading a file to WordPress takes under a minute. Once a file is in your media library, you can add it to any page or post — or share a direct link to it.

Quick summary

Go to Media → Add New in your dashboard and drag your files onto the upload area, or click Select Files to browse your computer. Files appear in your media library immediately. You can also upload files while editing a page — WordPress will add them to the library automatically.

What you'll need

Beginner 2 minutes
  • Editor or Administrator access to your WordPress site
  • The file saved on your computer or phone
  • A file that meets the size and type limits (see below)

File types WordPress accepts

WordPress accepts most common file formats. Here are the most useful ones:

CategoryAccepted formats
ImagesJPEG, PNG, GIF, WebP, HEIC (on some setups)
DocumentsPDF, DOC, DOCX, XLS, XLSX, PPT, PPTX
AudioMP3, WAV, OGG
VideoMP4, MOV, AVI (see note below)

For videos, use YouTube or Vimeo instead

Uploading large video files to WordPress uses a lot of storage and slows down your site. We strongly recommend uploading videos to YouTube or Vimeo, then embedding them — it's free and much faster for visitors. See how to embed a video.

File size limits

Most WordPress sites have an upload size limit set by the hosting server — commonly 32 MB or 64 MB per file. You'll see an error message if your file is too large.

If your images are very large, compress them before uploading. A tool like Squoosh (free, browser-based) can reduce an image from 5 MB to under 500 KB with no visible quality loss. See how to compress images for more detail.

How to upload from the media library

Go to Media → Add New in your dashboard. In the left sidebar, hover over Media and click "Add New Media File."

Drag your files onto the upload box. Open a folder on your computer, then drag one or more files directly onto the dotted upload area. You can upload several files at once.

Or click "Select Files." This opens your computer's file picker. Navigate to your file, select it, and click Open.

Watch the progress bar. Each file shows a progress bar as it uploads. Wait for all files to finish before navigating away.

Your files are ready. Once uploaded, they appear in your media library. Click any file to add alt text or other details.

How to upload while editing a page or post

You don't have to go to the media library first. You can upload directly while you're editing content.

Open the page or post you're editing. See how to edit a page if you need a refresher.

Add an Image block. Click the + icon to add a new block, then choose Image (or Gallery for multiple images).

Click "Upload." This lets you select a file from your computer. The file uploads and is inserted into the page at the same time.

The file is now in your media library. Any file uploaded this way also appears in the media library for future use.

Tips for naming your files

Before you upload, rename your files to something descriptive. WordPress uses the file name to help you find files later — and it also affects SEO (how search engines find your images).

Good names:

  • team-photo-office-2024.jpg
  • spring-menu-pdf.pdf
  • company-logo-horizontal.png

Names to avoid:

  • IMG_4823.jpg
  • Document1.docx
  • final_final_v3.pdf

Use hyphens between words (not spaces or underscores). Keep names lowercase.

Right-click the file and choose "Rename." Type the new name and press Enter. Then upload to WordPress as normal.

On iPhone, open the Files app, press and hold the file, tap Rename. On Android, use your Files app and tap the file's menu (three dots), then Rename. Then upload from your device.

Common questions

Need a hand?

If you're stuck, email support@chykalophia.com and we'll help. Include your website address and a screenshot if you can.

Learn more

The media library explained

Learn what the WordPress media library is, what it stores, and how to navigate it to find and manage your site's images and files.

Image sizes, cropping & alt text

Understand how WordPress handles image sizes and cropping, and learn how to write good alt text for accessibility and SEO.

On this page

What you'll needFile types WordPress acceptsFile size limitsHow to upload from the media libraryHow to upload while editing a page or postTips for naming your filesCommon questionsRelated guidesLearn more
How to upload images and files | Chykalophia Docs