Image & Media Standards

Images and media used on Georgia Southern University websites should support the page’s purpose, reflect the University brand and create a positive experience for all users. Every image, video or media file should be accessible, properly sized, optimized for fast loading and appropriate for the audience of the page.

Georgia Southern’s web governance model gives the University Web Team final authority over web assets, creative direction, user experience, accessibility, SEO, navigation and website architecture. The Web Team also provides support for custom photography, image cropping, optimization and videography for web pages as needed.

General Image Guidelines

Use images that are clear, current, high-quality and relevant to the page content. Images should help users understand the page, support the Georgia Southern brand and avoid adding visual clutter.

Images should:

• Avoid outdated, blurry, stretched or low-quality visuals
• Represent Georgia Southern accurately and professionally
• Support the content and purpose of the page
• Follow University brand standards
• Be properly sized for the block or section where they appear
• Be compressed and optimized before upload
• Include appropriate alt text
• Avoid any amount of embedded text

Do not use images downloaded from Google, social media or other websites unless Georgia Southern has permission to use them.

Media Library Usage

The WordPress Media Library is used for website images, not general file storage. PDFs, Word documents, flyers and other downloadable files should not be uploaded directly to the Media Library.

Most users are not able to upload images directly to WordPress. If you need an image added, replaced, cropped or optimized, submit a web request to the Web Team.

Image Sizing Standards

Use the correct image size for the block or layout where the image will appear. Images that are too small may appear blurry, while images that are too large can slow down page load time.

Image File Naming

Before an image is uploaded to WordPress, the file should be renamed using a clear, descriptive filename. File names help the Web Team search the Media Library and can support SEO when written properly.

Use lowercase letters, hyphens between words and descriptive keywords.

Required Naming Format

Image filenames should follow this general structure: blocktype-georgia-southern-department-description.jpg

hero-georgia-southern-cri-arc-fitness.jpg

headshot-georgia-southern-admissions-jane-smith.jpg

vr-georgia-southern-statesboro-campus-tour.jpg

IMG_12345.jpg

photo-final-final.jpg

screenshot.png

Image Optimization

Images should be compressed before they are uploaded to WordPress. Large image files can slow down pages, create a poor mobile experience and affect search performance.

Before submitting or uploading an image, make sure it is:

• Cropped to the correct dimensions
• Saved in an appropriate file format
• Compressed for web use
• Clear and not pixelated
• Free of unnecessary white space
• Not larger than needed for the page layout

Recommended tools include Photoshop’s “Save for Web” option, Squoosh, Optimizilla or another approved image compression tool.

Alt Text

All meaningful images must include alternative text, often called alt text. Alt text helps users who rely on screen readers understand the purpose of an image and also supports accessibility and search visibility.

Good alt text should be clear, concise and accurate.

• Good Alt Text: Georgia Southern University students walking across the Armstrong Campus quad
• Bad Alt Text: Image
• Bad Alt Text: Campus
• Bad Alt Text: IMG_12345

If an image is decorative and does not add meaning to the page, it may use empty alt text so assistive technology can skip it. When in doubt, ask the Web Team.

Text in Images

Avoid using images that contain large amounts of important text. Text inside images can be difficult to read on mobile devices, may not resize properly and is often inaccessible to screen readers.

Do not use image-based flyers as the only way to share important information. Instead, place the key information directly on the webpage using accessible text.

If a graphic includes important information, make sure the same information is also available in the page content.

Videos

Videos should be approved, relevant and appropriate for the page where they appear. A video should support the content, not replace required page information.

Before adding or requesting a video, make sure:

• The video is accurate and current
• The video supports the page’s purpose
• The video is appropriate for Georgia Southern audiences
• Important information from the video is also available as text when needed
• The video meets accessibility expectations, including captions when appropriate

YouTube embeds are usually acceptable when the video is approved and relevant. Other video platforms, custom embeds or scripts should be reviewed by the Web Team.

Documents, PDFs and Flyers

The Media Library should not be used as a storage location for PDFs, Word documents, flyers or forms. When a document must be linked from a website, it should be accessible, approved and hosted in the appropriate departmental Google Drive folder or another approved location.

Before linking to a document, make sure:

• The document is accessible
• The file is current and approved
• The sharing settings allow users to view it
• The link text clearly describes the document
• Important information is also available on the webpage when possible

When possible, convert important PDF or flyer content into regular webpage content. Webpage content is usually easier to update, easier to search, more accessible and better for mobile users.

Approved Image Sources

Use official or approved Georgia Southern photography whenever possible. Photos of campus events, buildings and University life may be available through official University photo resources.

Do not use images from Google Images, stock websites, social media or third-party websites unless Georgia Southern has permission or licensing rights to use them.

When to Submit a Web Request

Submit a web request if you need help with:

• Uploading a new image
• Replacing an existing image
• Cropping or resizing an image
• Updating a hero image
• Adding or replacing a headshot
• Creating or editing a visual block
• Adding a video or embed
• Linking a PDF or document
• Reviewing image accessibility
• Choosing an appropriate image for a page

The Web Team can help determine the best image format, size, placement and accessibility approach for your content.

Quick Rule

Use images and media to support the content, not replace it. If an image, video or document affects accessibility, branding, page speed, layout or user experience, submit a web request before adding it to the website.