Adding Pictures to Your Active Rain Blog--The 20/20 Rule

I was teaching a blogging class at our Association recently and one of the questions was about posting your photos and clip art on your blog. "How do I keep my text/words from running into my pictures?"  I explained the 20/20 rule to him.  This week I received an email asking me that same question from another member.  Today as I was reading a post, I noticed that the text was butting up against the bloggers clip art and thought it was time I share this simple rule with you for posting pictures on your blog.  Here's a simple tutorial on posting photos/clip art to your blog:


Is this what you're seeing after you've uploaded a photo?

Posting Pictures on Active Rain

Do you see how the words appear to be running under the photo?

Here's what you need to do to prevent/correct this problem.  After you've clicked on the Upload button, you'll remain on the 'General' tab--this is where you enter your picture's description and title here.

Adding photos/clipart to your Active Rain blog


No need to click 'Update' just yet...you've got just a little more to do!  Next you click on the 'Appearance' tab:

Adding photos/clipart to your Active Rain blog

 

Now, select the following:

1.  Where do you want the photo/clip art positioned in relation to your text?  Under ALIGNMENT (click on the pull down arrow), I generally click either left or right (and alternate each photo so that all of the photos aren't weighing one side of the page down!)

Adding photos/clipart to your Active Rain blog

 

2.  What size do you want your photo to be?  First, you want to be sure that the 'CONSTRAIN PROPORTIONS' box is checked.  Then, I typically select 300 - 400 in the first box, which is the horizontal box,  then  TAB over to the second box, which will automatically change the size of the photo to the proper proportion (rather than 'stretching' the photo so that it's skewed and out of its original proportion).  

Adding photos/clipart to your Active Rain blog


3.  Then tab down to the VERTICAL space and type in 20
4.  Next, tab down to the HORIZONTAL box and type  20 again.  (Hence, my 20/20 rule!)

Adding photos/clipart to your Active Rain blog


5.  If you'd like to add a border to your photo, you can type the size of the border that you'd like.  I rarely use this feature but, anything from 1-3 is what you'll see used to provide a border around your photo/clip art.

Adding pictures to your Active Rain posts


6.  Then, click UPDATE and you're through!

Adding photos/clipart to your Active Rain blog


Now, if you don't like one of the adjustments that you've made, simply click on the photo, which will show a border around the photo.  Clicking the photo ALSO highlights the INSERT/EDIT IMAGE box; simply click on that box.  You can tab over to appearance and make the adjustment that you need!  Don't forget to click the UPDATE button when you're finished! 

Adding pictures to your Active Rain posts

 

See the difference?

Adding pictures to your Active Rain posts

 

Remember that pictures keep your readers engaged--even just one breaks the monotony of an all-text post which alot of readers avoid.  You'll notice that featured blogs all have photos or clip art to keep the reader's attention--it's just easier on the eyes than text alone!

Happy Blogging Everyone!

Debe in Charlotte   

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Post is included in group: The Lounge at Active Rain
Post is included in group: Active Rain Newbies
Post is included in group: Active Rain Block Party

50 Comments on Adding Pictures to Your Active Rain Blog--The 20/20 Rule

OCT
12
175,715 Points 1 Featured Post

This is great info Debe and will keep this bookmarked for future postings!

7:58am • #2
193,387 Points 6 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Very nice job explaining this Debe! I sometimes still have trouble with positioning so this is very helpful.

7:59am • #3
119,105 Points 1 Featured Post Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Debe, you have just solved a question that has swum in my head for some time now...would you please post more of these tutorials....I will be watching for more easy to read blogs from you!

8:00am • #4
Outside Blog

Thanks so much for posting this.  We are new to AR and these tips will certainly come in handy.

8:08am • #5
351,120 Points 4 Featured Posts

ToulaRosebrock,com

Hi Debe:

Nice step by step instruction...

Should be very helpful to many here!

8:09am • #6
280,313 Points 2 Featured Posts Outside Blog

After doing many, many posts I finally learned this little trick from none other than Brad Anderson.  He uses "8" instead of "20", might try the larger space now though!  Thanks for sharing....

8:12am • #7
124,856 Points

Thanks for sharing --- I need all the help I can get!  Have a great day!

8:13am • #8
472,758 Points 76 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Hi Everyone!  Thank you and good luck!  It was a task that I found daunting when I first started, then once I learned I took it for granted.  When members would ask me for help on this, I kept telling myself that I needed to write this!   Hope it helps!

8:31am • #9
316,174 Points 2 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Good information here. I have always used the 10, 10 rule. Looks like 20, 20 might be better. Thanks.

8:45am • #10
472,758 Points 76 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Thanks, Gary!  I use 10/10 sometimes too--it seems to work just fine on the smaller pictures--I know Brad uses 8/8 but, I like them to 'pop' when you open the post! 

Have a great week...

9:02am • #11
198,343 Points 10 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor

Excellent tutorial!  I asked you about that 20-20 rule several months ago, and it has made a huge difference!  Hope you have a great week, Debe!!

9:16am • #12
472,758 Points 76 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Great minds, Mary!  I was just reading your snow post!  You have a great week too and happy blogging...

9:25am • #13
221,511 Points Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router

Debe, I have used 8 or 10 but I like your suggestion on the 20/20 rule for the smaller photos...thanks,

9:31am • #14

I found the space part several months ago, but still struggle with alignment issues.  Perhaps a tutorial on that??

9:41am • #15
472,758 Points 76 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Hi Rebecca!  That's what most people use--10/10 but, I just like the pictures to 'pop' when you open the post and I think 20/20 does that a little bit better.  Yours always look so nice too!

Hi Erby!  Thanks, I'll work on that for you!!

9:46am • #16
252,290 Points 4 Featured Posts

Brilliant!

I love easy to use step by step tutorials!

Well done Debe!

10:28am • #17

Debe:  Excellent tutorial.  This is just one of the reasons I love AR....so many people with helpful info for getting around AR in addition to offering solid industry tips from AR members.

10:30am • #18

Terrific information.  I have tried to make and adjustment for just this problem without success.  Thank you so much!

10:48am • #19
143,440 Points 2 Featured Posts

Debe,

Very nice tutorial!   I like the clever 20/20 title for this post.   I agree that you can see the photos much better (like 20/20 vision).  :)

11:19am • #20
Outside Blog

Hi Debe,

Thank you for the helpful information.  Excellent tutorial and easy to folllow.  Again, thank you!

Chris

 

12:27pm • #21
472,758 Points 76 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Hi Craig!  Thanks--you've already gotten this one down-pat, though!  :-)

Thanks Mercedes!  Me TOO!

Sandra:  I am SO glad to have been able to help you!  Happy Blogging!

Gerry:  Thanks--that's why I started calling it that--the 20-space makes the photos 'pop' on your posts!

Chris:  Thank you and you're welcome too!

Have a great week everyone...

 

1:59pm • #22
116,682 Points 3 Featured Posts Outside Blog

I will try the 20/20.  I use the 10/10 also.  Great use of Snagit, and helpful post, Debe.

3:36pm • #23
472,758 Points 76 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Thanks Jane!  I use the 10/10 on larger pics-and to be quite honest, it depends upon my mood!! 

Have a great day...

3:48pm • #24
496,098 Points 28 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Debe, That's a bookmark!  I read through it and didn't know about some of these things at ALL.  Thank you for the information, I'll give it a try on my next post.

4:54pm • #25
530,797 Points 50 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Been here almost 3 years. Never knew the Vertical/ Horizontal rule. Now I know. Thanks for the tip!

4:55pm • #26
228,604 Points 1 Featured Post Outside Blog

Debe, thanks for sharing that.  I had been playing with the proportions but didn't really know how it worked.  Thanks!!

5:59pm • #27
389,962 Points Outside Blog

Debe

An outstanding post that will help a number of our members.

Good luck and success.

Lou Ludwig

8:42pm • #28
180,281 Points 1 Featured Post Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router

Debe,

Great blog and awesome graphics.  It looks better then the how to manuals I use to have to make years ago while in corporate America.  Kudo's to you and hope you are fully healed.

8:49pm • #29
472,758 Points 76 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Hi Carole:  Thanks!  If you're like me, you've got TONS of bookmarks to work on!  YIKES!

Loreena:  Well, I've learned SO much from YOU, I'm glad to have been able to help you finally!

June:  Thank you!  Good luck with it!  I finally learned how to get it right!

Lou:    Thanks!  Hopefully it will!

Larry:    Thank you--now that's a HUGE compliment!  Perhaps I could have another career!!  Healing is going well but, WAY too slow for me; I'm VERY impatient!  ARe you going to RDU REBar Camp?

10:34pm • #30
OCT
13
126,633 Points 3 Featured Posts

Hi Debe-Great info my friend. I use the 9/9/0 one. It does make a big difference. I love how you are continuing to be a teacher to all of us. The ambassador title fits you well. Hope you are doing well. :-)

5:37am • #31
472,758 Points 76 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Hi Patty-P!  I hope YOU are doing well!  Thank you so much--you know I love to generate that 'ah-ha' moment for people, so the teaching thing is fun for me! 

Have a wonderful day...

6:44am • #32
199,620 Points 19 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Hi Debe...Your posts are so reader friendly.  I like the fact that you use larger type.  I keep meaning to make a habit of that. 

Kate

6:42pm • #35
408,040 Points 14 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Debe,

Where were you when I was making all of these mistakes??????? :-) You have made some very good points and I hope that many people put them to use.

8:23pm • #36
688,831 Points 108 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Debe - I wrote a similar tutorial last year, but I use the "10/10" rule myself.  Either way, it makes a HUGE difference with regard to giving your readers' eyes a rest.  :)

8:35pm • #37
432,223 Points 27 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Debe,

I also use a more narrow space than 20/20. However, there are some times when no matter what I do, there is no margin. Go back and forth, but every time at uploading the parameters revert to 0. But is happens not often, so I simply leave it like it is and move on.

8:58pm • #38
381,540 Points 9 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

A very nice tutorial... someone explained this some time ago, but this is much more clear and easy to understand.  I have bookmarked this just in case I forget.

9:17pm • #39
472,758 Points 76 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Kate:  Thank you--you're so sweet!  I probably spend WAY too much time on them but, I am a bit obsessive compulsive!!  LOL

Don:  You may have been one that I showed how to do this LONG ago?!!  You've DEFINITELY gotten this technique down-pat now, though!

9:26pm • #40
472,758 Points 76 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Jason:  You know, I have started using the 10/10 rule more now than before--especially with the larger pictures.  I probably read your post before but, I get this question more than any from people emailing or calling me.  So, now, I have a link that I can send them to and not have to type it from memory each time!

Jon:  You won't believe it but, I have that happen too!  Drives me NUTS and I don't know how to correct it.  Maybe some day we'll figure that one out too and post a tutorial on it!

Joan:  Thanks for the bookmark! I think you've gotten this one down-pat too!

9:29pm • #41
159,500 Points 11 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router

Debe...what a great post! I can't imagine how much time it took you to make all those helpful slides/pictures of how to do this!

I've used Brad's numbers of 3 and 7, but I'll be trying the 10 or 20 rule on my next post!

Thanks for bringing this up....indeed very helpful!

10:09pm • #42
106,973 Points 4 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Debe,

As always thanks for a very simple concise explanation!  I usually use 7 but will try the 20/20 rule...I think it looks really nice!

11:43pm • #43
472,758 Points 76 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Hi Thom!  I like this photo better!  I can't SEE you in the other one--I noticed that today on the RDU REBar Camp line-up of guests!  Eleanor is doing a fabulous job--we're going to have a BLAST!  Thanks too and I'm using more of the 10/10 than 20/20 on the larger pictures.  I play with it and go back and forth on the numbers!

Hi Lori!  I just went to visit your blog and your comments had been disabled--funny that you popped over here at about the same time!  I was going to email you about that! 

7 works, as does 8, 10 or 20--it just depends upon how much you want the pictures to 'pop!' Thanks and have a wonderful Wednesday...

Debe in Charlotte

11:56pm • #44
OCT
14
277,300 Points 59 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Debe - This is one heck of a tuturiol!  In the past, I've used 7 as well.  But this is more than just food for thought.  Excellent work here!

12:05pm • #45
201,023 Points 1 Featured Post Outside Blog

DEBE..What a fantastic demo..You have made it simple for anyone to understand..great job..

HELPFULHANNAH

4:38pm • #46
OCT
15
472,758 Points 76 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Hi Jason!  Wow, what a huge compliment!  Thank you so much!  I use the smaller numbers for posts that have alot of graphics (which have become most of mine!) and the larger number if I really want t picture to POP on the page.  Thanks again!

Hannah!  Well, thank you dahling!  I tried--I had written it in so many emails and had explained it by phone so, I thought I'd just write it down as a tutorial so that I could reference it when I got the question!  Hopefully it'll help someone!

Debe in Charlotte

2:32am • #47
OCT
16
205,275 Points 6 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Hi Debe, There have been several how to's on this subject over the years, but many obviously have missed them! Newbies & some oldies alike will benefit from your tutorial. Proper photo postioning makes all the difference, I usually use 6-6, since that how I learned , but what ever suits the mood & the fancy is great as long as the text doesn't run!

2:31pm • #48
DEC
07

Thanks for the tutorial. This is exactly what I have needed and have been wanting to bookmark!

Cheryl Ritchie
9:33am • #49
269,423 Points 6 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Hi Debe!!!!  I love your tutorials.  I actually figured this out on my own one day, but I think there are a lot of folks who will appreciate the information.  It sure does make a post look more professional!

Have a great day!

Ann

9:47am • #50

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Debe Maxwell, Realtor® - Charlotte NC MLS - Charlotte NC Neighborhoods

Charlotte, NC

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Helen Adams Realty

Address: 2301 Randolph Road, Charlotte, NC, 28207

Office Phone: (704) 491-3310

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