This article will teach you the steps to add an article thumbnail image and format "Featured Articles" function for each WordPress article. These instructions work for WordPress Magazine Themed websites developed by WebsiteValet.com.

Add a Thumbnail Image

1. Select a Photo and format it to 100 pixels by 100 pixels using photo editor software like Photoshop or Paint.net.
   
   
2. Upload Your Photo via the standard WordPress image upload function on the Add New Post page. You access the image upload function by clicking the Add An Image icon next to Add Media. Once your photo is uploaded, click the Insert to Post button at the bottom of the image upload popup window. Once the image is inserted in to your article, click the image then the Edit Image icon that shows on the image. In the Edit Image popup window, you need to copy the Link URL. The Link URL will look something like this: http://www.mysite.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/11/filename.jpg. Once you have the Link URL copied, be sure to delete the image from your article.
   
   
3. Create a Custom Field for Your Thumbnail Image. If you scroll to the bottom of your Add New Post page, you’ll see an area near the bottom called “Custom Fields.” (You may have to click on the white + sign to the far right to expand the custom fields area). In the field marked Key, you’ll need to enter: post_thumbnail. In the field marked Value, you’ll need to enter the file path for your image. Then click the Add Custom Field button. Finally, continue with your post, and when you’re ready, click the Publish button.
   
   Your thumbnail image will appear on each page that the post appears, except the single post page.
   
   

Formatting the Featured Articles Function

1. Select a Photo and format it to 300 pixels wide x 220 pixels high. The width can actually vary, but the height must be 220 pixels. A width between 250 pixels and 300 pixels looks the best.
   
   
2. Upload Your Photo via the standard WordPress image upload function on the Add New Post page. You access the image upload function by clicking the Add An Image icon next to Add Media. Once your photo is uploaded, click the Insert to Post button at the bottom of the image upload popup window. Once the image is inserted in to your article, click the image then the Edit Image icon that shows on the image. In the Edit Image popup window, you need to copy the Link URL. The link URL will look something like this: http://www.mysite.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/11/filename.jpg. Once you have the Link URL, be sure to delete the image from your article.
   
   
3. Create a Custom Field for Your Featured Article Image. If you scroll to the bottom of your Add New Post page, you’ll see an area near the bottom called “Custom Fields.” (You may have to click on the white + sign to the far right to expand the custom fields area). In the field marked Key, you’ll need to enter: home_feature_photo. In the field marked Value, you’ll need to enter the file path for your image. Then click the Add Custom Field button. Finally, continue with your post, and when you’re ready, click the Publish button.
   
   Your image will appear in 2 places. First, it will appear in the Featured Articles box (for that article) on your home page. And it will also appear on the single post page for that article; aligned to the right of the content.
   
   If you choose not to enter a photo for one or more of your featured articles, the theme will function properly without it.
   
   
4. Under the Advanced Options on the Add New Post page, there is a field named Excerpt. This is where you place the text you want to show for the Featured Article. It is recommended that you put the first paragraph of the article in this field. Be sure to check your website's homepage to make sure you don't have too much text as there is limited space for the Excerpt.