Difference between revisions of "Team Fortress Wiki:Images"

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(tag for update: Sometime before May 2011, File: was the the equivalent to Image:; moreover, by that time File: was the preferred code. File: is the current usage in this wiki; and so, the content of this page this should be updated to that convention.)
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{{update|Sometime before May 2011, {{code|File:}} was the the equivalent to {{code|Image:}}; moreover, by that time {{code|File:}} was the preferred code. {{code|File:}} is the current usage in this wiki; and so, the content of this page this should be updated to that convention.}}
 
{{hatnote|For a technical guide on uploading and displaying images, see [[Help:Images]].}}
 
{{hatnote|For a technical guide on uploading and displaying images, see [[Help:Images]].}}
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{{hatnote|For image licensing and copyright, see '''[[Team Fortress Wiki:Licensing images]]'''.}}
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{{TFWiki navbar}}
 
{{TFWiki navbar}}
{{Ambox | type = good | image = Pictogram plus.png | imagewidth = 24px | style = text-align: center; | contents = {{ambox/message|3=This is an '''accepted guideline''' for images on the Team Fortress Wiki. All images should follow these rules.}}}}
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{{Ambox | type = good | image = Pictogram plus.png | imagewidth = 24px | style = text-align: center; | contents = {{ambox/message|3=This is an '''accepted guideline''' for images on Team Fortress Wiki. All images should follow these rules.}}}}
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{{TOC float|right}}
 
{{TOC float|right}}
  
== General guidelines ==
+
== General guidelines ==  
* Almost all images for use on the wiki should be uploaded using the [[Special:Upload|upload page]]. That way we don't steal bandwidth from others, and it makes the image links more reliable.
+
* Images used on the wiki should be uploaded directly to the site using the [[Special:Upload|upload page]]. This avoids [[Wikipedia:Inline linking|inline linking]] (also known as hotlinking) or external linking of images on external sites. This is to avoid a number of problems:
* Team Fortress Wiki is not an image hosting service. Any images uploaded should be for sole use ''on Team Fortress Wiki''.
+
** Stealing bandwidth from other sources (leeching)
 +
** Copyright ownership
 +
** Availability
 +
** Ensuring the image links are more reliable as they are under our control
 +
* The official Team Fortress Wiki is ''not'' an image hosting service, and any images uploaded to the wiki should solely be for use on this site, not your personal website or any other place.
 +
 
 +
== Source, author, and copyright information ==
 +
* Each image on the wiki has a corresponding description page. On that page, you should document the copyright status of the image by selecting one of the pre-defined [[:Category:License templates|licenses]]. Unlicensed images will be subject to deletion. Please see the '''[[Team Fortress Wiki:Licensing images|licensing help page]]''' for more information on the correct license to choose when uploading images.
 +
* You should add the '''source''' and, if known, the '''author''' of an image in the summary section when uploading, or use the <code><nowiki>{{</nowiki>[[Template:Information|Information]]<nowiki>}}</nowiki></code> template.
 +
* Fan art images should rarely be uploaded. In an exceptional case where fan art is relevant and notable, it should always be marked as non-official – especially when used in an article – and they should not take precedence over official artwork.
 +
 
 +
== Naming ==
 +
* Use descriptive titles. Suffix the filename with the content description. For example, acceptable filenames would be "File:2fort map.png" or "File:Unusual mullet green confetti.png". File names such as "File:lolhat.png" or "File:Myfavouriteloadout.png" are not descriptive, and will be subject to being renamed or deleted.
 +
* Lowercase file extensions should be used for uniformity, i.e. .png rather than .PNG. This is also important as the software treats image names as case sensitive&mdash;this means "Filename.PNG" is considered a different file from "Filename.png".
 +
* Avoid uploading images of the same subject under different names. It is better to overwrite an existing image with a better one than to upload it to a new name (unless the current name is not descriptive enough, or the file is using a different format). Images can be reverted back to previous versions if newer ones are deemed to not be improvements.
 +
* Use of underscores in image names is unnecessary as spaces in file names will be replaced with underscores. <code><nowiki>[[File:John Doe.png]]</nowiki></code> is the same as <code><nowiki>[[File:John_Doe.png]]</nowiki></code>.
 +
* Images uploaded for use in userspaces should be prefixed with <code>User_NAME_</code> where <code>NAME</code> is the user who uploaded that image, and will be using it on their own userspace.
  
== Image sourcing ==
+
== Categorization ==  
Please see '''[[Team Fortress Wiki:Licensing images]]''' for more information on the correct license to choose when uploading images.
+
Using '''categories''' for your images helps us sort them better, and makes it easier to find that particular image should it be relevant for an article in the future. Your image should always reside in at least one category; more if relevant. To place an image in a category, simply add <code><nowiki>[[Category:</nowiki>'''CATEGORYNAME'''<nowiki>]]</nowiki></code>, substituting '''CATEGORYNAME''' for the relevant category.
  
== Source, author and copyright information ==
+
* '''Icons''' should be placed in one or more subcategories of [[:Category:Icon images]].
* Each image on the wiki has a corresponding description page. On that page, you should document the copyright status of the image by selecting one of the pre-defined [[:Category:License templates|licenses]]. Unlicensed images will be subject to deletion.
+
* '''Screenshots''' should be placed in one or more subcategories of [[:Category:Screenshot images]] (this will be automatic if you use the <code><nowiki>{{</nowiki>[[Template:ScreenshotTF2|ScreenshotTF2]]<nowiki>}}</nowiki></code> template).
* You should add the '''source''' and, if known the '''author''' of an image in the summary section when uploading, or use the <code><nowiki>{{</nowiki>[[Template:Information|Information]]<nowiki>}}</nowiki></code> template.
+
* Userspace images should be placed within the [[:Category:User images]] category, by inserting <code><nowiki>[[Category:User images]]</nowiki></code> into the image's summary field.
* Fan art images should always be marked as such, especially when used in an article, and they should not take precedence over official artwork.
 
  
== Naming ==
+
Additionally, a full list of all available categories can be found on the page [[Special:Categories]]. Should an appropriate category not exist, create a new one as necessary.
* Use descriptive titles. Suffix the filename with the content description. For example acceptable map names would be "Image:2fort map.jpg" or "Image:Dustbowl map.jpg".
 
* Lowercase file extensions should be used for uniformity (ie .jpg rather than .JPG).
 
* Avoid uploading images of the same subjects under different names. It is better to overwrite an existing image with a better one than to upload it to a new name (unless the current name is not descriptive enough). Images can be reverted back to previous versions if newer ones are deemed to not be improvements.
 
* Names are case sensitive so Filename.JPG is considered a different file from Filename.jpg.
 
* Use of underscores in image names is unnecessary as spaces in file names will be replaced with underscores. <code><nowiki>[[Image:John Doe.jpg]]</nowiki></code> is the same as <code><nowiki>[[Image:John_Doe.jpg]]</nowiki></code>.
 
  
 
== Image formats ==
 
== Image formats ==
Currently [[Wikipedia:PNG|PNG]], [[Wikipedia:GIF|GIF]], and [[Wikipedia:JPEG|JPG]] image formats are allowed.
+
Currently [[Wikipedia:PNG|png]], [[Wikipedia:GIF|gif]], and [[Wikipedia:JPEG|jpeg]] image formats are allowed. All of these formats have different uses, and should generally be used for different types of images.
  
=== Screenshots ===
+
* '''png''' should be the primary file format for '''all images, unless otherwise noted'''. This includes, but is not limited to, icons, low-color illustrations (signs, icons, etc.), screenshots, in-game art, and similar images.
* JPG format should be used for screen captures as their compression rates are good in relation to image quality.
+
* '''jpg''' should only be used for photographs, when the source image is a jpg, or when cropping the png to make it fit the size limit is not an option.
* Categorize your uploaded screenshots in one or more sub categories of [[:Category:Screenshot images]] (this will be automatic if you use the <code><nowiki>{{</nowiki>ScreenshotTF2<nowiki>}}</nowiki></code> template).
+
* '''gif''' should '''only''' be used for animated graphics or when the original source is a gif image.
 
 
=== Icons ===
 
* PNG format should be used for icons.
 
* Categorize your uploaded icons in one or more sub categories of [[:Category:Icon images]]
 
  
 
== Design and Quality ==
 
== Design and Quality ==
 
 
=== Image size ===
 
=== Image size ===
* Although files up to 16 megabytes can be uploaded, there is no need for ''any'' image to be that large. As a guideline, images should be no larger than 500kb.
+
* Larger images may be difficult for some users to view. Do not include extra information in your images, crop them to focus on their subject.
* Larger images may be difficult for some users to download or view so it is recommended that you crop images to focus on their subject.
+
* Image size is capped at 2MB. If your image is larger than this limit then consider re-sizing or cropping your image, or saving it in a [[w:lossy|lossy]] file format.
  
 
=== Compression levels ===
 
=== Compression levels ===
* JPG - Compression levels of 80-85% normally do the job. In no case should you ever have to go above 90%; the minimal increase in image quality does not outweigh the increased file size.
+
* '''png''' can have their filesize reduced by lowering the number of unique colors in the image, due to the way png files are compressed. It is, however, '''not''' recommended to do so as it lowers the quality of images significantly.
* PNG - Reducing the number of unique colors in the picture will make PNG files much smaller.
+
* '''jpg''' files should always be uploaded at 100% quality to avoid as much artifacting as possible. That said, it usually shouldn't be necessary to refactor jpg images as they should only be used when the source is a jpeg, and thus require no editing.
* Optimization programs can be used to reduce file size, consider using something like [http://luci.criosweb.ro/riot RIOT] if you have Windows or [http://www.gracepointafterfive.com/punypng PunyPNG] for an online tool - both of which handle JPEG, GIF and PNG.
+
 
 +
==== Bots ====
 +
* This site runs [[User:WindBOT|an automated crush bot]] which will losslessly optimize uploaded images. You usually don't need to do this yourself.
  
 
=== Resolution ===
 
=== Resolution ===
 
* Crop non-landscape images to show the important areas.
 
* Crop non-landscape images to show the important areas.
* Do not upload huge images - try to keep to a width of around 1280 (1280x1024 [[Wikipedia:XSGA|XSGA]] for 5:4 aspect ratio, 1280x960 for 4:3, or 1280x720 [[Wikipedia:WXGA|WXGA]] for 16:9 ).
+
* Do not upload huge images&mdash;try to keep to a width of around 1280 (1280x1024 [[Wikipedia:XSGA|XSGA]] for 5:4 aspect ratio, 1280x960 for 4:3, or 1280x720 [[Wikipedia:WXGA|WXGA]] for 16:9).
* Do not blow up small images to larger sizes without good reason, this can detract from the overall quality.
+
* Do not blow up small images to larger sizes without good reason; this can detract from the overall quality.
 
* It is not recommended to resize images in an editing program, as MediaWiki can scale images automatically. Uploading a larger image that is cropped neatly means that higher amounts of detail can be seen if necessary.  
 
* It is not recommended to resize images in an editing program, as MediaWiki can scale images automatically. Uploading a larger image that is cropped neatly means that higher amounts of detail can be seen if necessary.  
  
 
=== Transparency ===
 
=== Transparency ===
* Images that require transparency should use the PNG file format. GIFs may also handle transparency, but only in a single [[Wikipedia:Indexed color|indexed color]] as they only support 256 colors and do not have [[Wikipedia:Alpha channel|alpha channel]] support. This means they do not allow anti-aliasing of edges or blended color layers.
+
* Images that require transparency should use the png file format. Gifs ''can'' also handle transparency, but only in a single [[Wikipedia:Indexed color|indexed color]] as they only support 256 colors and do not have [[Wikipedia:Alpha channel|alpha channel]] support. This means they do not allow anti-aliasing of edges or blended color layers and shouldn't be used on the wiki for those reasons.
  
 
== Image linking ==
 
== Image linking ==
* [[Wikipedia:Inline linking|Inline linking]] (also known as hotlinking) or external linking of images on external sites for display on Team Fortress Wiki should not be used. There are multiple reasons for this including bandwidth leeching, copyright, ownership and availability issues.
+
* [[Wikipedia:Inline linking|Inline linking]] (also known as hotlinking) or external linking of images on external sites for display on Team Fortress Wiki should not be used. There are multiple reasons for this including bandwidth leeching, copyright, ownership, and availability issues.
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
* [[Help:Images]] - Help article on using images
+
* [[Help:Images]] - Help article on using images.
* [[Help:Taking Screenshots]] - Guide to taking screenshots
+
* [[Help:Taking Screenshots]] - Guide to taking screenshots.

Revision as of 19:18, 31 March 2019

For a technical guide on uploading and displaying images, see Help:Images.
For image licensing and copyright, see Team Fortress Wiki:Licensing images.

General guidelines

  • Images used on the wiki should be uploaded directly to the site using the upload page. This avoids inline linking (also known as hotlinking) or external linking of images on external sites. This is to avoid a number of problems:
    • Stealing bandwidth from other sources (leeching)
    • Copyright ownership
    • Availability
    • Ensuring the image links are more reliable as they are under our control
  • The official Team Fortress Wiki is not an image hosting service, and any images uploaded to the wiki should solely be for use on this site, not your personal website or any other place.

Source, author, and copyright information

  • Each image on the wiki has a corresponding description page. On that page, you should document the copyright status of the image by selecting one of the pre-defined licenses. Unlicensed images will be subject to deletion. Please see the licensing help page for more information on the correct license to choose when uploading images.
  • You should add the source and, if known, the author of an image in the summary section when uploading, or use the {{Information}} template.
  • Fan art images should rarely be uploaded. In an exceptional case where fan art is relevant and notable, it should always be marked as non-official – especially when used in an article – and they should not take precedence over official artwork.

Naming

  • Use descriptive titles. Suffix the filename with the content description. For example, acceptable filenames would be "File:2fort map.png" or "File:Unusual mullet green confetti.png". File names such as "File:lolhat.png" or "File:Myfavouriteloadout.png" are not descriptive, and will be subject to being renamed or deleted.
  • Lowercase file extensions should be used for uniformity, i.e. .png rather than .PNG. This is also important as the software treats image names as case sensitive—this means "Filename.PNG" is considered a different file from "Filename.png".
  • Avoid uploading images of the same subject under different names. It is better to overwrite an existing image with a better one than to upload it to a new name (unless the current name is not descriptive enough, or the file is using a different format). Images can be reverted back to previous versions if newer ones are deemed to not be improvements.
  • Use of underscores in image names is unnecessary as spaces in file names will be replaced with underscores. [[File:John Doe.png]] is the same as [[File:John_Doe.png]].
  • Images uploaded for use in userspaces should be prefixed with User_NAME_ where NAME is the user who uploaded that image, and will be using it on their own userspace.

Categorization

Using categories for your images helps us sort them better, and makes it easier to find that particular image should it be relevant for an article in the future. Your image should always reside in at least one category; more if relevant. To place an image in a category, simply add [[Category:CATEGORYNAME]], substituting CATEGORYNAME for the relevant category.

Additionally, a full list of all available categories can be found on the page Special:Categories. Should an appropriate category not exist, create a new one as necessary.

Image formats

Currently png, gif, and jpeg image formats are allowed. All of these formats have different uses, and should generally be used for different types of images.

  • png should be the primary file format for all images, unless otherwise noted. This includes, but is not limited to, icons, low-color illustrations (signs, icons, etc.), screenshots, in-game art, and similar images.
  • jpg should only be used for photographs, when the source image is a jpg, or when cropping the png to make it fit the size limit is not an option.
  • gif should only be used for animated graphics or when the original source is a gif image.

Design and Quality

Image size

  • Larger images may be difficult for some users to view. Do not include extra information in your images, crop them to focus on their subject.
  • Image size is capped at 2MB. If your image is larger than this limit then consider re-sizing or cropping your image, or saving it in a lossy file format.

Compression levels

  • png can have their filesize reduced by lowering the number of unique colors in the image, due to the way png files are compressed. It is, however, not recommended to do so as it lowers the quality of images significantly.
  • jpg files should always be uploaded at 100% quality to avoid as much artifacting as possible. That said, it usually shouldn't be necessary to refactor jpg images as they should only be used when the source is a jpeg, and thus require no editing.

Bots

  • This site runs an automated crush bot which will losslessly optimize uploaded images. You usually don't need to do this yourself.

Resolution

  • Crop non-landscape images to show the important areas.
  • Do not upload huge images—try to keep to a width of around 1280 (1280x1024 XSGA for 5:4 aspect ratio, 1280x960 for 4:3, or 1280x720 WXGA for 16:9).
  • Do not blow up small images to larger sizes without good reason; this can detract from the overall quality.
  • It is not recommended to resize images in an editing program, as MediaWiki can scale images automatically. Uploading a larger image that is cropped neatly means that higher amounts of detail can be seen if necessary.

Transparency

  • Images that require transparency should use the png file format. Gifs can also handle transparency, but only in a single indexed color as they only support 256 colors and do not have alpha channel support. This means they do not allow anti-aliasing of edges or blended color layers and shouldn't be used on the wiki for those reasons.

Image linking

  • Inline linking (also known as hotlinking) or external linking of images on external sites for display on Team Fortress Wiki should not be used. There are multiple reasons for this including bandwidth leeching, copyright, ownership, and availability issues.

See also