TL;DR
- To replace an image: edit the page, select the image, click Replace, and choose the new one.
- To remove an image from a page: select it and delete it. To remove the file for good, delete it from the Media Library too.
- Still seeing the old image? Refresh the page or clear your browser’s cache.
- Some images live outside WordPress. Those have to be removed where they’re stored.
How Do I Replace an Image on My WordPress Site?
- Edit the page or post in your WordPress dashboard.
- Click the image you want to change.
- Click Replace in the toolbar above it.
- Choose the new image from the Media Library, or upload one.
- Add alt text, a short description of the image for screen readers.
- Save, then check the live page.
Some themes and page builders (drag-and-drop design tools) work a little differently. On one site, Beth gave the client these steps: “Click the ‘x’ over the image to remove it. Click the green + to add a new one. If it’s already uploaded, search the Media Library.”
Resize the new image before you upload it. See How to Resize Images Before Uploading Them to Your Website
How Do I Remove an Image Completely?
- Remove it from every page and post that uses it. Otherwise those spots show a broken image. Not sure where it’s used? We can check on your Webmaster Retainer.
- Go to Media, then Library, and click the image.
- Click Delete permanently. This can’t be undone.
- Clear your cache and check the pages again.
What If the Image Isn’t in My Media Library?
Some images are pulled in from somewhere else, like an old blog hosted on another service. On one site, Beth found, “The images aren’t actually in your WordPress media library.” Those images have to be removed from the place they’re stored, which takes that account’s login.
In the meantime, you can simply remove the image code where the image shows up on your site.
Why Do I Still See the Old Image?
Your browser saved a copy. Beth’s usual note after a swap: “The update is made. You may need to clear your cache to see the changes.” For a quick check, do a hard refresh: Ctrl+Shift+R on Windows, Cmd+Shift+R in Chrome or Firefox on a Mac, or Cmd+Option+R in Safari.
Rather Have Us Swap It?
Send us the new image and tell us which page and which image it replaces. We’ll make the change on your Webmaster Retainer. See How to Send Large Photos, Videos, and Files to Your Webmaster
What Webmaster For Hire Recommends
- Remove an image from your pages before deleting the file.
- Give every new image alt text.
- Clear your cache before deciding a change didn’t work.
:: Common Questions ::
If I Replace an Image on One Page, Does It Change Everywhere?
No. Replacing an image on one page only changes that page. If the same image appears elsewhere, update each spot.
Can I Get a Deleted Image Back?
Not from the Media Library. But a backup can restore it. See How Should I Back Up My WordPress Website?
Need Images Swapped?
See our Webmaster Retainer, or request a consultation.
