Adding a picture to Wikipedia is a great way to enhance the quality of articles and provide visual support for the content. The Wikipedia Upload Wizard makes this process straightforward. Below is a step-by-step guide for contributors interested in uploading images while complying with Wikipedia’s guidelines.
Step 1: Understand the Rules and Copyright Policies
Before uploading any image, it’s crucial to ensure you have the right to use it. Wikipedia requires that all images be freely licensed or in the public domain. Proper attribution is mandatory, and images that violate copyright laws will be removed.
Step 2: Log in to Your Wikipedia Account
You must have an active Wikipedia account to upload files. If you don’t have one, create an account and confirm your email address.
Step 3: Access the Wikipedia Upload Wizard
Navigate to Wikimedia Commons, the media repository for Wikipedia. Click the “Upload File” button to open the Upload Wizard. Wikimedia Commons hosts media files that are used across all Wikimedia projects.
Step 4: Select the File
In the Upload Wizard, click “Select media files to share” to choose the picture you want to upload from your device. Ensure the image is in an acceptable format, such as JPEG, PNG, or SVG.
Step 5: Provide a Detailed Description
Describe the image accurately. Include information such as:
Step 6: License the Image
Choose a license that allows others to reuse the image. The Upload Wizard will suggest suitable licenses like CC BY-SA 4.0, which permits reuse with proper attribution.
Step 7: Categorize the Image
Assign your image to relevant categories so users can find it. For example, if the picture is of Lexington Avenue in New York, include categories like “Lexington Avenue”, “New York Streets”, or “Urban Photography”.
Step 8: Publish and Use the Image in an Article
After uploading, the file will have its own Wikimedia Commons page. To add it to a Wikipedia article: