Files

Details on file prep & handling

Prepping images for use across the site

To keep image creation simple, we’ve set a single standard for all featured images across the site.

These standards apply to:

  • Blog posts
  • Resource items
  • Page OpenGraph (preview) images

Featured image file specifications:

  • Dimensions: 1200px wide x 630px tall (the OpenGraph standard)
  • Formats:
    • WEBPs are the more efficient (and support transparency)
    • JPGs are a good fallback for any detailed images
    • PNGs are only good for images with simple, flat graphics. NEVER use for detailed images (like photos or complex graphics)
    • GIFs should be avoided. If you require animation, use a well-optimized MP4 video file – NOT an animated GIF
  • Filenames: ALWAYS set a custom, specific, and useful file name. See the ‘Naming Conventions’ section below.
  • Optimization: before uploading, your images should be optimized with a tool like TinyPNG.

Naming Conventions

Why Consistent File Naming Matters

Proper file naming is essential for maintaining an organized and efficient website. When everyone follows the same naming conventions, it creates numerous benefits:

  1. Improved Searchability and Organization Well-named files make it significantly easier to locate specific media assets when needed. Instead of scrolling through dozens of cryptically named files like “IMG_4678.jpg,” you can immediately find “blue-denim-jacket-front.jpg” using search functions or visual scanning.
  2. Enhanced SEO Performance Search engines analyze filenames to understand image content. Descriptive, keyword-rich filenames (like “organic-cotton-t-shirt.jpg” rather than “photo1.jpg”) can boost your search rankings and help your images appear in relevant image searches.
  3. Streamlined Collaboration When your team and external collaborators follow consistent naming practices, everyone can quickly understand what each file contains without needing to open it first. This saves valuable time and reduces confusion during project handoffs.
  4. Simplified Website Maintenance Consistent naming patterns make technical tasks like site updates, migrations, and troubleshooting much more manageable. Developers can easily identify and work with your media files when they follow logical naming structures.
  5. Professional Presentation Well-named files present a polished image to anyone who might interact with your media library, from new team members to potential clients reviewing your work.

Follow these guidelines to ensure all media files meet our standards:

  • Use lowercase letters only Example: summer-campaign-hero.jpg (not Summer-Campaign-Hero.jpg)
  • Replace spaces with hyphens Example: product-demo-video.mp4 (not product demo video.mp4)
  • Include content type for commonly-used assets Example: icon_centralized-control.svg (not Centralized Control for VM Migrations.svg)
  • Some example content types: icon_ graphic_  diagram_ hero_  video_ animation_  bg_ (for background images/patterns)
  • Avoid special characters Stick to letters, numbers, and hyphens Avoid: &, %, #, @, !, $, etc.
  • Be descriptive but concise Example: diagram_private-cloud-director-architecture.jpg (not just pcd architecture layout flow 1000x827 version 1 for website.jpg)
  • For sequential images, use numbered suffixes Example: product-showcase-01.jpg, product-showcase-02.jpg

Media Replacement

Efficient replacement of existing media files

Replacing existing assets is easy:

  • First: be sure to properly OPTIMIZE your image, PDF, or other media asset before using it as a replacement.
  • Take note the existing asset file name (such as 2025-Edition-Buyers-Guide-to-VMware-Alternatives.pdf)
  • When overwriting an existing asset, it doesn’t really matter what the new file name is as long as the file TYPE matches (pdf-to-pdf, png-to-png, webp-to-webp, etc.)
  • Go to WP Admin > Media > Library
  • Search for the asset you wish to replace & click on it from the results view to enter the individual asset view
  • Within the individual asset view, click on the ‘Upload a new file‘ button
  • Within the “Replace Media Upload” view, click on the “New” panel (to the right of the thumbnail of the existing asset) to upload a new file.
  • Set your “Replacement Options” and “Options” for the new file’s date handling.
  • Click the “Upload” button to complete the process.
Scroll to Top