HOW TO: Post pictures on TGC

This has been a recurring problem over the past few months so I'm writing this with hopes of clarifying the process of posting pictures on TGC (or any online forum)

As you may have noticed, the attachment sizes allowed on TGC are rather small. This is because server space/bandwidth isn't cheap, and there are plenty of web-based services out there that can host your content for free. If your file(s) are too big to be attached, you will need to get your pictures online by some other means.


Meaning, you must find a website where you can upload your pictures and reference them with a URL. If you don't understand what this means, you need to STOP reading this message, and learn how the Internet works. Here are two articles to help you get started:
- HowStuffWorks "How Internet Infrastructure Works"
- HowStuffWorks "How Web Servers Work"


Now, once you understand the fundamentals, we are ready to proceed and get you posting pictures on TGC!

Step 1:

Choose a service to host your pictures. There are plenty of free ones out there that can be found by a simple Google search. Here are some of the most commonly used:
- Photobucket (*recommended)
- ImageShack
- TinyPic


Step 2: *optional

Create an account. Not all websites require you to make an account with them, but if you plan on posting a lot of pictures, making an account is a great way to keep track of all the pictures you upload and keep them organized in one place. Photobucket requires you to make an account, TinyPic and ImageShack do not. It's your call. Each website is different and the procedures are usually quite simple. If you successfully made an account on TGC, you should be able to upload a picture no sweat.


Step 3:

Upload your picture(s). Again, each website is different. If you can't figure this out, you don't belong near a computer.


Step 4:

Obtain the image URL or "IMG code". This procedure is a little different with each website, but not complicated.

• Photobucket
  
  • One picture
    
    • Click your picture at the bottom once it's done uploading and you'll be taken to a new screen
    • On the right, there should be box that says "Share this photo". Click where it says "IMG code" and the textbox should turn yellow and flash the word "Copied"
    • Proceed to step 5
  • Multiple pictures
    
    • Click the check boxes by the pictures you want to post
    • At the bottom, next to the "Select all/Unselect all" checkbox, you should see a link that says "Choose action". Click Choose action, followed by "Generate link codes for selected"
    • A dialog box will appear. Under the section "IMG for bulletin boards & forums", pick your poison, Clickable thumbnails or Full size pictures. Clicking either will copy the code to your computer's clipboard (Full size pictures preferred)
    • Proceed to step 5
• ImageShack
  
  • One picture
    
    • Once the picture is uploaded, you will be taken to a new screen. Beneath the picture you should see a section called "Links to share your image"
    • Find the one that says "Direct Link", click the textbox to the right of it (it should automatically highlight the text inside), and copy (Ctrl+C) the text
    • In the message you're posting on TGC, locate and click the Insert Image button (https://www.thegalantcenter.org/imag...nsertimage.gif) above the message editor
    • Paste (Ctrl+V) the URL inside the dialog and click OK
    • You're done!
  • Multiple pictures
    
    • To the right of your uploaded pictures, you should see a box titled "Get links and Codes for All Images"
    • Click the drop-down box that says "Direct Links", and change it to "BB Codes"
    • Copy the resulting text in the box below
    • Proceed to step 5
• TinyPic
  
  • One picture
    
    • After your picture has uploaded, you should be brought to a page titled Share This Image
    • Locate the box below the text "IMG Code for Forums & Message Boards" and click it.
    • It should automatically copy the text to your computer's clipboard
    • Proceed to step 5
• Other
  
  • You're on your own

Step 5:

Post your pictures on TGC. Whether you're replying to a topic or creating your own, the procedure is the same.

Simply paste (Ctrl+V) the code you copied in step 4 into the MESSAGE BODY of your message (do not use the Attach Files section, your pictures are already online!)

Each picture will be represented by a URL enclosed by an image tag ([IMG]). To test to make sure it worked, click the "Preview Post" button.

Here is an example of what a new for-sale thread might look like:

Title: FS: Wheels and tires
Message:

Code:

---

Hey guys, I'm selling some old wheels and tires.

Wheels are Brand X, 18"x8":

[IMG]http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk152/Voodoo262/Fall%202010/ChickCarGrewBalls007.jpg[/1MG]

Tires are Brand Y, P225/45R18:

[IMG]http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk152/Voodoo262/Fall%202010/ChickCarGrewBalls047.jpg[/1MG]

Thanks for looking!

---

It is imperative that the link to your picture (URL) begins with [IMG]
...and ends with [/IMG]


Changelog
2011/10/24 - Added Razzi support
2013/10/21 - Removed Razzi info