Our CMS allows the use images on your microsite. Here are some frequently asked questions to get you started.
How do I start?
The CMS Starter Kit Training Guide has been updated to include 'images' and is available [here]. Do be assured that the process of uploading images and changing existing screens to use images has been made as non-technical and straightforward as possible.
Where can I use images?
You can use images in 'Content' screens' and 'Submenu' screens. When choosing a new screen you will see two new options of 'Content with image' and 'Submenu with image'.
How do I upload them?
You can upload an image anywhere in your microsite that you see the 'New Image' button. It is up to you where you 'store' your images, but we suggest storing them in an appropriately named folder of folders at the root of your microsite or in appropriate locations next to the screens they are used in. We have left this flexible so that you can choose. Once an image is uploaded you can view a thumbnail of the image by holding your mouse over it.
What about ©opyright?
You must either own the copyright of any image that you use, or be certain that the image is copyright free. Many images that you will want to use will come from existing marketing publications or your website, where you should already hold the copyright. There are a number of websites that make copyright free images available without charge.
Can I use any other images?
Yes. There is an area in Common Content which we will populate with some copyright free images for everyone to use. We will add more images to this folder as time progresses. As we are responsible for the copyright free nature of these images, only the Looking Local team will be able to upload images to this folder, but everyone can use them.
Can I use other microsites' images?
No. You can only use images you have uploaded within your microsite or those available to everyone in Common Content.
How do I get an image into an existing screen?
This couldn't be simpler. On an existing content or submenu template you will see a new 'Use images' button. Clicking this will enable you to select an image that you have already uploaded. Do note that there is less room for text on a 'content with image' and no room for text with a 'submenu with image', so do make sure that the amount of text fits or you are happy with no text.
How do I choose an image?
After you have selected the 'Use images' button you will see a list of folders where images are available in your microsite. There will also be a list of Common Content folders where images are available.
What if I don't want an image on a screen anymore?
You simply click on the 'Remove images' button and the image will be removed. Once the image is removed you will have more room for text on the screen.
Can I upload a picture of any subject?
Microsite editors and publishers will be solely responsible for judging if image content is appropriate and will be agreeing to a copyright and content declaration each time they upload or publish an image. We will also be closely monitoring the images that are uploaded. If we feel an image may be of inadequate quality or inappropriate, we will inform the publisher concerned. In exceptional circumstances we reserve the right to immediately withdraw any images of an obscene, offensive or grossly inappropriate nature.
What file types can I use?
You can upload and use most common image formats: .png, .jpeg, .gif and .bmp. There can be some usability problems in some images with; levels of colour saturation; use of images with thin 'stripes' and images such as maps. The guidelines for using images on TV can be found here.
How big can an image file be?
We allow image files up to 500Kb to be uploaded, but in reality there is no need to upload anything bigger than 200kb. For performance reasons the final image used on TV will be limited to under 20kb, so uploading a larger image will not result in a better picture on TV. Do be wary of uploading images of small file sizes (lower than 15kb), as they may appear very pixelated on your TV service.
Do they have to be square?
No. You can upload rectangular images as well. Do be careful with the use of vertically or horizontally thin images, as these may be difficult to view on a TV.
Why is there an 'Alternative Text' field when no text is shown on TV?
The 'Body' field has been renamed 'Alternative Text' on submenus with images. As we are not making images available to the mobile service, this text will be displayed instead of the image when viewed on a mobile phone.
Can I move an image?
Yes. Once you have uploaded an image you can choose to move it to another location within your microsite using the existing 'Move items' button.
Can I use a submenu screen as my homepage?
Some microsite owners want to have an image on their home screen rather than a logo. We are currently testing this and will let you know if this is possible.
Which channels will images be used on?
Images will be used on Virgin TV (ntl:Telewest), Sky and Kiosk (CitySpace). Images will not be used on the mobile service at present.
