You will need to size and optimize your images before placing them in Modern Campus CMS. Images with a small file size allow pages to load faster. Faster loading pages provide a better user experience. Our main goal is to retain the quality of the photo while reducing its size.

Need new photos?

Missouri State's Office of Visual Media provides a collection of free images for download. They also provide an online repository of photos for purchase. Can't find what you need within their galleries? Schedule a photoshoot.

Choosing your image editing software

Normally, you might default to Adobe Photoshop if you already have it available, but it's not the only worthwhile image editing software available. There are plenty pf good (and free) options out there, such as GIMP.

Adobe Photoshop

There are some distinct benefits to using Adobe Photoshop over other photo editing / image compression software:
  • You may resize and crop photos.
  • When saving as a jpeg, Photoshop provides photo load time depending on the size of the image and the end user’s internet speed.

GIMP

GIMP is a cross-platform, free open source image editor that may be used to size and optimize your photos. GIMP is available for download online.

  • Final resolution: 72 dpi
  • Format: jpg for photos; png for graphics. SVG is also acceptable.
  • Naming your photos: avoid spaces or special characters.

Choosing your image format

Raster or Vector. Which format is best to use? It depends.

Raster

Raster images are comprised of a series of bitmaps. A bitmap is a grid of individual pixels that collectively compose an image. Each pixel has a specific hue or shade. Comprised of pixels with specific hue or shades. Collectively make an image. These image types are constrained by resolution and dimension. In other words, a low resolution image at a large scale will appear grainy.

Photographs are raster images. Formats that best support raster images are jpegs. SVG format is also acceptable.


Vector

Vector images are rendered using paths dictated by mathematical formulas.  They are scalable – they retain clarity even when scaled at large sizes.

Logos and other line art are vectors. Formats that best support vector images are png. PNGs support transparent backgrounds.


Storing your images

Your image and document files will be stored in a folder, within your section, called _Files.

You will be able to create sub-folders within this folder to organize your files. You may wish to sort them by type, by year, by unit, etc. You may wish to name your sub-folder starting with an underscore so your sub-folders will appear at the top of your list.


Images gadget

To insert photos directly on your page (no drop shadow), open your editable region > open your Gadgets sidebar.

You will find the Gadgets button to the sidebar in the upper right corner.

Within the sidebar you can click on your Images dropdown menu and navigate to your _Files folder to insert the appropriate image.

Learn more about using the images gadget