U3A Site Builder: Frequently-asked Questions

Adding Pictures

The points below should be read in conjunction of those about file uploading, which refer to constraints on file formats and file space usage.

Can I put pictures onto my site?
Yes: once the site has been published. Pictures should be chosen to complement a site's textual content by illustrating U3A members' recent activities and achievements. The Site Builder is not designed as a general-purpose tool for managing large numbers of photographs.
How are images arranged on the page?
By default, they are displayed in "thumbnail" form next to or below the page text, with a link to the corresponding full-size version. Normally in reverse order of their upload time so the most recent are most prominent. But there are options to change the default order if required.
How many pictures per page?
We intend to apply a limit of 50 per page. It is unlikely that site visitors will scroll down far enough to see any more, so downloading them will be a waste of time and risk generating a timeout on clients with slow connections. Pictures are most useful when spread fairly evenly across a number of pages to complement the text, rather than bunched up together.
Some groups do want to keep a full pictorial record of their activities!
That is understable for groups like walking or photography. Their solution is to sign up to a general-purpose file-sharing service which they can manage as they wish.
Why can't I place pictures wherever I like on the page?
You can incorporate thumbnail images "inline" in the main page text, but placement is still subject to rules. Our documentation recommends methods for producing a satisfactory layout when text and pictures are combined,
How are images shown at full size?
On a page of their own, together with their title and any associated text. They may be scaled down automatically to fit horixontally in the browser window. The page may contain links to the "next" and "previous" pictures in sequence.
How do I include a gallery page on my site?
Once you have a few pictures, use the Change button option on the site administrator's menu to activate the default Gallery button and related page. Pictures there will be shown as thumbnails linking to their full-size version.
How are gallery pictures chosen?
By default the gallery shows all the full-size pictures on the site, grouped by the page where they are registered. But there are options to mark any pictures which should not appear there, e.g. small decorative images which don't benefit from being viewed at full size.
Can I make my own gallery page instead?
Any 'DiY' gallery page will be limited in functionality, and the number of pictures it can show. So it isn't recommended.
My U3A has its own logo. Can I put it in the page headers?
Yes — there is an option for that purpose. A logo placed on the site's Home page will be used by default for all the other pages.
Suppose I want some pages to have their own logo?
Upload the logo in the usual way and attach it to the appropriate page. It will then override the default. You can also make a logo link to another site.
What's special about the Home page picture?
Only that it's always shown in full when visitors first come to the site, so only one will ever be seen.
So what happens if I upload another one?
The one mest recently uploaded will be shown. The same applies to logos.

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