I want to use images on my site!
How do I make them the right size?

The CMS has limits on the size of an image file that can be uploaded.  This is to make the loading of images much faster and easier for our webpage users, and also to conserve space on our server.  You will almost always need to edit your full-sized image using your choice of image editing software, PRIOR to attempting to upload it to the CMS.

What is image editing software?

MS Paint, Photoshop, GIMP, Fireworks... there are any number of programs you can use to edit your images.  If you're not sure what programs you have on your computer or what is available to you, work through your department head to consult with IT as to what is available and what training you have access to.

Free software is available on the Internet, but not supported by IT.  You can sign up for a free account with Adobe Photoshop Express, or download GIMP and use the Atomic Learning tutorial.  

How do I edit my images?

The process varies from program to program.  The local bookstore will have instruction manuals for many common photo editing programs, and Atomic Learning offers training in many different programs.

What size images can I use?

Depending on the layout of your page, there are different image sizes you should be using.  All images should be saved at 72 dpi, which is the Internet standard for image rendering.  Here's a chart of some common layouts and image sizes for each.

Layout/Location	Image Dimensions	Example
Banner Image (static)	exactly 559 pixels wide between 150 and 200 pixels tall	Communications CTM Banner
Banner Image (Flash banner)	exactly 559 pixels wide exactly 175 pixels tall	Skidmore Home Page
Full page image on a page without right hand column	500 pixels wide at maximum height variable	Classics Home Page
Full page image on a page WITH right hand column	400 pixels wide at maximum height variable	Classics Students Page
image under the right or left hand navigation	150 pixels wide at maximum height variable	Purchasing
image with wrap-around text (such as a faculty bio, etc.)	100 - 150 pixels wide height variable	Government Faculty Pages

It's important to note that an image that is too tall will push your content down the page, particularly if you have an overlarge banner.  Some widescreen monitors have a very narrow vertical viewing space, so it's a good rule of thumb to keep your images as small as possible.  In addition, some browsers will render overly large images poorly, so while 500 pixels might be the maximum for a full page image without a right hand column... it may provide a better user experience to use a smaller image and center it.  Smaller is sometimes much better!

Banner images must be exactly 559 pixels wide to span the entire space.  You cannot center a banner image -- if it is too small, it will justify to the left, leaving you with a gap on the right side.