Posting a Picture tutorial

[Cutiepie]

I know that there are some people who have been wondering how to attach visible images in their posts. Posting pictures and having them show up is actually kind of a finicky business. For some reason, and I don't understand why, just saving the picture from the website and trying to post it won't give you a thumbnail of it. However, here is something that I have figured out that works.

I'm writing this as if it were for someone who doesn't have a clue, so please don't be offended if it might sound like I'm "talking down" to you.

1. Find the image you want to post.

2. Use your right mouse button and choose to "COPY" the picture.

3. Open your MS Paint program, which is included in all Windows versions (95 to Vista), or any graphics program you might have. Simply "PASTE" in the image (use [ctrl] V to do it quickly). Edit your picture as necessary.

4. Save the picture as a .JPG, .GIF, or .TIF (the space under the line for the name selects the format. Default in Paint is .BMP, which is a huge file, and .JPG, which is much smaller, is below that. The .BMP's are not allowed on the forum anyway, because of size.) Use a name you will be able to remember. A good place to save it is on your desktop, since you will be able to find it easily and then just delete it after you have added it to your forum post.

5. When you make your post, find "Add an Attachment" and choose "browse." Find where you have saved the picture, select the picture file, and click "OK".

6. After you have selected your picture, click to "Add Attachment" and wait for the program to load it.

7. There should now be an area that says "Posted Attachments" and under your attachment there should be buttons that read "Update Comment", "Delete Attachment" and "Delete Thumbnail". That last one is important because it shows that there will be a thumbnail. I'm attaching a picture that will show you what to look for. If that "thumbnail" button isn't there (see the second "attachment" in the picture), it won't have a visible picture when you complete your post.

I really hope this helps somebody out. Posting pictures is such a nice option! If you still can't figure it out, please feel free to ask specific questions. I really want to be able to help EVERYONE use the forums to the best of their ability.

[marji]

CutiePie, thank you so much for the information. Just because I'm a computer geek with programs doesn't mean it extends to forum and chat experiences. This is all new to me, and I do so appreciate your explanation of the thumbnail. Now maybe we can post pics of what we're trying to vote in, wow, what a concept. I might actually vote for the right duck for a change Thanks again, marji

Thanks for the tutorial, but I don't have any graphics programs. Sorry. I would love to be able to post a picture.

[Cutiepie]

Well, Mae, if you have Windows, you have Paint (which is why I chose that one to use for my example). It is under "accessories" on the program menu. If you have a Mac, there is one as well, but I don't know the Mac very well at all.

However, I am always willing to help out Forum Friends! Just let me know when you make your post that you would like the picture added and I will get on it as soon as I can. I check in just about every day (except when health doesn't permit) so it won't be a long wait either.

[Silver]

Okay..... it worked twice for me but with the third design AND image insertion (oak leaf) in 'My Projects' both attachments are there but I got an image that can be downloaded but did not visibly show up. There was no option for disabling/deleting thumbnail...
So what did I do wrong that I did right with the other two? Or is there a limit, per member, for number of files being uploaded??? I know we can only add 3 attachments per message but I did not go over that. I tried deleting some of my other uploads too to keep my 'burden' on your space here to a minimum but that did not help either...
duh!
Silver

[Cutiepie]

You know, Silver, I sure wish I knew why some Jpgs gave thumbnails and others don't. Unfortunately, I only know what I have discovered by trial and error myself, and that is that sometimes it works and others it doesn't. I am just too stubborn to give up and so I "try, try again" until it works for me. Isn't that silly? It isn't a matter of how many you have uploaded on the site, nor is there a limit (that I know of) like the number of attachments per post. I will take a look at your leaf and see if I can get it to work for you, ok?

[Silver]

I can see my leaf now!
Silver

[merlef]

i still cannot see ur pics

[Simpleuser2000]

Thanks for the tut. I was able to load a couple pics before I read this but it took forever to figure it out. Thanks.
Elaine

[MaryEHenry]

Thanks- I need the step by step LOL not tech savy