Getting to know WordPress Featured Images from a user standpoint: what are featured images, their evolution in Codex, some popular & free magazine themes for WordPress, how to use featured images in WordPress without changing your base theme via plugins (sidebars, archives, related/random/recent posts) and how to start experimenting with the Featured Images code, online and through a local installation of WordPress.
18. “Normal” themes are
catching on, too
Override the custom header image by selecting a
Featured Image for each post or page
HTTP://WORDPRESS.ORG/EXTEND/THEMES/TWENTYTEN
20. (But you do need to
activate post-
thumbnails in your
theme’s functions.php)
21. Add in featured images...
everywhere
• Recent posts • Related posts
• Random Posts • Create a temporary
static page
• Category Pages
• Top post slideshows
• Visual Archives
22. Using a shortcode plugin
Useful for images
that repeat
themselves in the
post.
Set once, use
many
HTTP://WORDPRESS.ORG/EXTEND/PLUGINS/ADD-POST-THUMBNAIL-SHORTCODE/
23. What’s a shortcode?
A way to include / activate a php function in
WordPress without using PHP
example: [shortcodename parameters]
used extensively on WordPress.com
29. To get started, you must
set featured images for
all your posts
30. How to set a featured
image
• Upon creation of a
new post
• Upload Image > Use
as Featured Image
• Post-publication
• Edit Post > Set
Featured Image >
Media Library or
Gallery > Use as
Featured Image
31. Some things to consider
• Default image size used in thumbnails
• Working with small, medium, large images
• Upload multiple versions or a cropped copy
34. Get started experimenting
Install a version of your site on your home
computer (with WAMPP/XAMPP)
http://www.whenihavetime.com/how-to-install-
and-try-wordpress-on-your-home-computer/
Tools > Export / Import
Install themes & plugins on local site version
35. Benefits of WP locally
Practice importing and exporting
Apply and modify a WordPress (free/paid) theme design and
play with other design features
Create your own custom WordPress design (theme) from
scratch
Install and practice with plugins, write your own
Get to know the WordPress interface and its features
Practice inserting your own content, managing images, and
other key WordPress lessons
and…you can install MULTIPLE instances of WordPress – so
you can work on more than one blog at a time!
36. Want to get into the
featured image code?
Start with the Codex:
http://codex.wordpress.org/
Function_Reference/the_post_thumbnail
Make use of existing plugins and shortcodes
where possible - improve them!
Suggest new variations/features to plugin
developers (nicely) :)
Make sure to make a working copy of your theme
before playing around!