Help:Images and other files
- Help:Images and other files
This page provides a comprehensive guide for beginners on how to upload, use, and manage images and other files within a MediaWiki environment (version 1.40 and compatible). It covers everything from supported file types to embedding techniques, licensing considerations, and troubleshooting common issues. Understanding these concepts is crucial for enhancing your wiki pages with visual elements and supporting documentation.
What are Images and Files in a Wiki Context?
In a wiki, "files" encompass more than just pictures. They include any digital asset you can upload and link to, such as:
- **Images:** JPEG, PNG, GIF, SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics) are the most common. These are used to illustrate concepts, add visual appeal, and break up text.
- **Documents:** PDF, DOC, DOCX, TXT, CSV, and other document formats can be uploaded for readers to download. Useful for providing detailed reports, templates, or supporting data.
- **Audio Files:** MP3, OGG, WAV. While less common, audio files can be valuable for tutorials or adding ambiance.
- **Video Files:** MP4, WEBM, OGV. Similar to audio, videos enhance learning and engagement, but require careful consideration of file size.
Supported File Types
MediaWiki administrators can configure which file types are allowed. However, the following are generally supported:
- **Image Formats:** JPEG (.jpg, .jpeg), PNG (.png), GIF (.gif), SVG (.svg), WEBP (.webp)
- **Document Formats:** PDF (.pdf), DOC (.doc), DOCX (.docx), TXT (.txt), CSV (.csv), ODT (.odt)
- **Audio Formats:** MP3 (.mp3), OGG (.ogg), WAV (.wav)
- **Video Formats:** MP4 (.mp4), WEBM (.webm), OGV (.ogv)
If you attempt to upload a file type not allowed by the wiki's configuration, you will receive an error message. Check the wiki's Help:File upload page for a definitive list of permitted extensions.
Uploading Files
1. **The "Upload file" Page:** Navigate to the "Upload file" page. This is usually found as a link in the sidebar or in the "Tools" menu. The exact location can vary depending on the wiki’s skin. 2. **File Selection:** Click the "Choose File" (or similar) button to browse your computer and select the file you wish to upload. 3. **File Information:** After selecting the file, you'll be prompted to provide information:
* **Destination filename:** This is the name the file will have within the wiki. It’s best to use descriptive and concise names. Avoid spaces; use underscores (_) or hyphens (-) instead. * **Summary:** A brief description of the file and its purpose. This helps other users understand its context. Good summaries are invaluable for later searching. * **Licensing:** *This is crucial*. You must select a license that permits the use of the file on the wiki. Common licenses include: * **Public Domain:** The file is not subject to copyright. * **Creative Commons licenses:** Various levels of permission are granted, such as attribution required (CC BY), non-commercial use only (CC BY-NC), or share-alike (CC BY-SA). Understand the terms of each license before selecting it. Help:Licensing provides more detailed information. * **Fair Use:** In some jurisdictions, limited use of copyrighted material is allowed for purposes such as criticism, commentary, or education. Fair use is complex and requires careful justification.
4. **Upload:** Click the "Upload file" button to complete the process.
Using Images in Pages
There are several ways to incorporate images into your wiki pages:
- **Inline Images:** To display an image directly within the text, use the following syntax:
```wiki
```
* `File:Example.jpg`: Specifies the filename. * `thumb`: Creates a thumbnail image. * `200px`: Sets the width of the thumbnail to 200 pixels. You can also use `height=150px` or `x200px` for relative sizing. * `A descriptive caption.`: Provides a caption that appears below the image.
- **Framed Images:** To display an image with a border and optional caption:
```wiki
```
* `frame`: Creates a framed image. * `center`: Aligns the image to the center. Other options include `left` and `right`.
- **Full-Size Images:** To display the image at its original size (not recommended for large images):
```wiki File:Example.gif ```
- **Floating Images:** To have an image float to the left or right of the text:
```wiki A caption for the floating image. ```
* `float=left` or `float=right`: Controls the image's position.
Using Other Files (Documents, Audio, Video)
Unlike images, you typically don't *display* documents, audio, or video directly within the page. Instead, you provide a link for users to download the file.
```wiki linktext=Download the report ```
- `File:Document.pdf`: Specifies the filename.
- `linktext=Download the report`: Sets the text that users will click on. If you omit `linktext=`, the filename itself will be used as the link text.
File Pages
Every uploaded file has its own dedicated page. This page contains:
- **The file itself.**
- **File information:** Name, size, date uploaded, uploader, licensing information, and description.
- **Usage:** A list of all the wiki pages where the file is used.
- **History:** A record of previous versions of the file (if any).
You can access a file’s page by typing `File:Filename.jpg` (replacing `Filename.jpg` with the actual filename) into the search box.
Managing Files
- **Renaming Files:** Files can be renamed, but this can break links if the file is used on other pages. Use caution and update links accordingly. The renaming process is usually found on the file’s page.
- **Deleting Files:** Only administrators typically have the permission to delete files. Files are usually deleted if they are no longer needed, violate copyright, or are duplicates.
- **File History:** MediaWiki keeps a history of file uploads. You can revert to previous versions if needed.
- **Categories:** You can categorize files to make them easier to find. Add category tags to the file’s page, just like you would for regular wiki pages.
Best Practices for Images and Files
- **File Size:** Keep file sizes as small as possible without sacrificing quality. Large files can slow down page loading times. Optimize images before uploading them using image editing software.
- **Resolution:** Use appropriate resolution for the intended purpose. High-resolution images are not always necessary and can increase file size.
- **File Format:** Choose the appropriate file format.
* **JPEG:** Best for photographs and images with many colors. * **PNG:** Best for images with sharp lines, text, and transparency. * **GIF:** Best for simple animations and images with limited colors. * **SVG:** Best for vector graphics that need to be scaled without losing quality.
- **Accessibility:** Provide alternative text (alt text) for images. This text is displayed if the image cannot be loaded and is used by screen readers for visually impaired users. Add alt text using the `alt` parameter: `A description of the image.`
- **Licensing:** *Always* select the correct license. Using copyrighted material without permission is illegal.
- **Naming Conventions:** Use descriptive and consistent filenames.
- **Captions:** Provide clear and concise captions for all images.
- **Copyright and Fair Use:** Understand the copyright laws and fair use guidelines in your jurisdiction. When in doubt, seek legal advice.
Troubleshooting
- **Image Not Displaying:**
* Check the filename for typos. * Verify that the file exists on the wiki. * Ensure the file is in a supported format. * Clear your browser cache.
- **Upload Failed:**
* Check the file size limit. * Verify that the file type is allowed. * Ensure you have the necessary permissions.
- **Image Too Large:**
* Use the `thumb` parameter to create a thumbnail. * Resize the image before uploading it.
- **Incorrect License:**
* If you realize you've selected the wrong license, an administrator may need to correct it. Contact a wiki administrator.
Advanced Topics
- **Gallery View:** Create galleries of images using the `<gallery>` tag.
- **TimThumb integration:** Some wikis use TimThumb for image resizing and optimization.
- **Image Maps:** Create clickable regions within an image.
- **External Images:** While generally discouraged, you can link to images hosted on external websites (but be aware that the image may disappear if the external website changes).
- **Using Templates with Images:** Create templates to simplify the process of inserting images with consistent formatting.
Resources
- Help:Contents - Main Help page
- Help:File upload - Uploading files
- Help:Licensing - Understanding licenses
- Help:Images - Older, but still relevant information on images.
- MediaWiki official documentation on images - The official documentation.
Strategies, Technical Analysis, Indicators, and Trends Resources
- **Technical Analysis:** Investopedia's definition
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- **Moving Averages:** Moving Averages guide
- **Relative Strength Index (RSI):** RSI explained
- **MACD:** MACD explained
- **Fibonacci Retracements:** Fibonacci Retracements
- **Bollinger Bands:** Bollinger Bands
- **Ichimoku Cloud:** Ichimoku Cloud
- **Elliott Wave Theory:** Elliott Wave Theory
- **Candlestick Patterns:** Candlestick Patterns
- **Support and Resistance:** Support and Resistance
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- **Gap Analysis:** Gap Analysis
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- **Double Top/Bottom:** Double Top/Bottom
- **Triangles:** Triangles
- **Flags and Pennants:** Flags and Pennants
- **Divergence (RSI, MACD):** Divergence
- **Stochastic Oscillator:** Stochastic Oscillator
- **Average True Range (ATR):** Average True Range
- **Parabolic SAR:** Parabolic SAR
- **Donchian Channels:** Donchian Channels
- **Heikin Ashi:** Heikin Ashi
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