Introduction
There may be times when you need to replace an image on your website without recreating the entire page or post.
Common reasons include:
- Updating company logos
- Replacing outdated product images
- Correcting image errors
- Improving image quality
- Updating promotional graphics
This guide explains how to replace an existing image in WordPress.
Step 1 – Log Into WordPress
Open your browser and visit: https://yourdomain.co.za/wp-admin
(Replace yourdomain.co.za with your own domain name.)
Enter your WordPress username and password.
Click: Log In
Step 2 – Open the Page or Post
To edit a page:
From the WordPress Dashboard
Click: Pages
Locate the page you wish to edit.
Click: Edit
To edit a post:
From the WordPress Dashboard
Click: Posts
Locate the post you wish to edit.
Click: Edit
Step 3 – Select the Existing Image
Within the editor, click on the image you wish to replace.
The image toolbar will appear.
Step 4 – Replace the Image
Click: Replace
Choose one of the available options:
- Open Media Library
- Upload
Step 5 – Select the New Image
If using the Media Library:
Select the replacement image.
Click: Select
If uploading a new image:
Click: Upload
Choose the image from your computer.
WordPress will upload and insert the new image.
Step 6 – Verify the Image
Review the page and confirm:
- The correct image is displayed.
- The image size is appropriate.
- The image alignment remains correct.
- Any captions are still accurate.
Step 7 – Save the Changes
Click: Update
or
Click: Publish
depending on whether the page has already been published.
Replacing Featured Images
Featured images are often used by:
- Blog posts
- News articles
- Social media previews
- Theme layouts
To replace a featured image:
Open the page or post.
Locate: Featured Image
Click: Replace Image
Select the new image.
Click: Set Featured Image
Save your changes.
Updating Alternative Text
After replacing an image:
Click on the image.
Locate: Alternative Text
Update the description if necessary.
Example: HostworX website dashboard displaying hosting account information
Accurate Alternative Text improves accessibility and SEO.
Removing Old Images
If the previous image is no longer required:
From the WordPress Dashboard
Click: Media
Then click: Library
Locate the image.
Click: Delete Permanently
Only remove images that are no longer used elsewhere on the website.
Common Issues
New Image Appears Too Large
Resize the image block or choose a smaller image size from the image settings.
Old Image Still Appears
This is often caused by browser caching.
Refresh the page or clear your browser cache.
Incorrect Image Displayed
Verify that the correct replacement image was selected before saving the page.
Conclusion
Replacing images in WordPress is a quick and simple way to keep your website content current and professional.
Regularly reviewing and updating images can improve both the appearance and effectiveness of your website.
