How do you embed pictures?

[slap]

When I use the "Attach Files" feature I get a thumbnail, but I see others are embedding pictures within posts (so that when clicked they open in a lightbox).

[jk13]

I attach photos straight from my computer, not from a hosting site. Mine are the click to enlarge type that you mentioned. Click attach file-->browse pics-->upload photo-->add to post. One thing I like is that there is a download counter on each pic telling me how many people have enlarged it.

That's on a Windows computer, right now I'm on the Mac and it looks totally different.

Edit: looking at your boat on the water pic, that's how mine work. If that's what you wanted, you got it.

Edited July 27, 2012 by jk13

[Malibudude]

Posting images to the forum

There are two methods to display an image within the forums. You can either link an image from another site, or attach an image to the post. We will cover both methods here.

Linking images from an external site

Linking (also called embedding) an image from another site is one way to display an image within your post. This method is available to all members since it requires no site resources other than the post itself. The image will show up large within the post, although it will be reduced to the width of the board. To do this, you need to have the images loaded on a site that allows hotlinking. Photobucket is a popular free image hosting & photo sharing site. Another option for paid members is to link from their gallery here on TheMalibuCrew.com.

Then you need to use the image tags around the link (without spaces), like this:

Sites such as Photobucket offer the code that you need all ready to go. Look for the image sharing options, it should have an IMG or BBCODE entry. Copy the code from that field into your post, and you'll be all finished.

If you are not using a site with those options, you will need to find the file location. If you right click the image, then go to Properties, that will bring up a window. Copy the entire address string under Address or Location, depending on your browser. From there, you need to use the IMG tags provided by the forum. Click on the icon in the toolbar and paste the address string into the window that pops up. Click "Insert Image", taking care to place your cursor in the correct spot in the posting window. You will see the address string show up wrapped in IMG tags in the posting window. Click the preview option to see how it will look when it is posted, making any changes that you feel necessary, then click "Post" to submit the post.

Attaching an image

The other method of displaying an image within a post is to attach it. This option is only available to paid members, as it take site resources to use this method. The image will display as a small thumbnail which can be enlarged by clicking on it. Uploaded files are limited to 300k in file size per post, so please make sure that you re-size your images appropriately. Usually an image re-sized to 800x600 in pixel size will work.

Default Uploader

The default uploader allows you to upload attachments one at a time. To begin, press the button. A box will appear for you to select the file on your computer that you want to attach. Select the file you want to upload.

If you change your mind, you can press the button and then choose a different file.

Once you have selected the file you want, press Attach the file. If there are any errors uploading the file, you will receive an error message, otherwise, you will see the attachment appear.

Flash Uploader

You can enable the flash uploader from your settings menu. When enabled, you will be able to easily upload more than one file at a time.

To start, press Click to Attach Files. A box will appear for you to select the file or files on your computer that you want to attach. Select the file or files you want to upload. You can select more than one file at a time by holding Ctrl (on Windows) or Command (on Mac) and click on the files.

Once you have selected your files and clicked "Open", they will begin uploading. If there are any errors uploading the files, you will receive an error message, otherwise, you will see the attachments appear.

Managing Attachments

Regardless of which uploader you use, once the files are uploaded you will see them on your screen. By default, all attachments are added to the bottom of your message, however, you can add any attachment to a particular section of your post by pressing the "Add to Post" link.

If you wish to remove an attachment and have it not appear in your post, simply press the "Delete" link.

[slap]

OK, thx. So the posts I see with the cool lightbox effect are linking to an external source.

For the benefit of the next person to ask, here's an example of what a native (paid support) site attachment looks like (clicking will open in current tab/window, ctrl-clicking will open in a new tab/window):

Here is what an externally sourced image looks like (clicking opens it in a lightbox if browser supports it):

[WakeGirl]

.....

Here is what an externally sourced image looks like (clicking opens it in a lightbox if browser supports it):

....

Actually both methods utilize Lightbox.

[slap]

Actually both methods utilize Lightbox.

Hmm. It doesn't work in Google Chrome 20 on Windows or Linux. In my post above, clicking the thumbnail takes me to the image in a _self (or maybe _parent) target. Clicking the larger externally sourced image opens it in a lightbox.

Internet Explorer (on WIndows 7 Professional x64) tries to open both in a lightbox, but the native attachment one never loads - just get the busy animation (at least through my company's web proxy). Maybe some JavaScript browser incompatibility? I don't have FireFox or Safari handy to test those.

Anyway, my original question has been answered. I have been embedding images correctly. Thanks!

[WakeGirl]

There appear to be some issues with both IE & Chrome (IE is a neverending problem for us, & Chrome can be problematic at times depending on the script), but I can assure you that both utilize Lightbox & work well in Firefox.

[Malibudude]

There appear to be some issues with both IE & Chrome (IE is a neverending problem for us, & Chrome can be problematic at times depending on the script), but I can assure you that both utilize Lightbox & work well in Firefox.

Yep, FF is light years ahead.