Adding Course Pictures

Course pictures provide visual identification for courses in training catalogs, browse interfaces, and learner views, supporting course discovery and visual appeal through branded imagery that enhances course recognition and professional presentation. Course picture functionality enables administrators to upload custom images representing course content, replace default imagery with branded visuals, and remove images returning courses to default appearance when appropriate.

Administrators upload course pictures through Course Picture tab interface supporting standard web image formats with size limitations and dimension recommendations ensuring optimal display across portal interfaces. Course pictures display in course listings, catalog browsing, learner dashboards, and course detail pages, providing consistent visual identity supporting intuitive course navigation and professional training program presentation.

Requirements

To add and manage course pictures, users must be assigned a security role with one of the following permissions:

• Administrator System Role
• Access Level: Training Manager, Manage Courses

Course Picture Overview

Course pictures serve multiple purposes supporting effective training program presentation and learner experience.

Visual Identification

Course pictures provide immediate visual recognition enabling learners to identify courses quickly in browsing interfaces.

Display Locations:

• Course catalog and browse views
• Learner dashboard course listings
• Course detail pages
• Training module search results
• Related course recommendations
• Email notifications with course information

Professional Presentation

Custom course pictures enhance training program professionalism through branded imagery aligned with organizational identity.

Branding Opportunities:

• Organizational logo integration
• Course topic visual representation
• Consistent design language across training catalog
• Professional imagery supporting credential value perception
• Visual hierarchy supporting course importance communication

Course Differentiation

Pictures distinguish courses from each other supporting efficient browsing and selection in populated training catalogs.

Differentiation Support:

• Unique imagery for each course preventing confusion
• Visual categorization through consistent imagery themes
• Color coding or design patterns for course categories
• Immediate topic recognition through representative images
• Enhanced user experience through visual variety

Accessing Course Picture Upload

1. Navigate to the Training module from your portal navigation menu
2. Click the Courses tab in primary navigation
3. Click the course name requiring picture configuration
4. Click the Course Picture tab in course navigation
5. The Course Picture page displays with image upload and management options

Course Picture Specifications

Understanding image specifications ensures optimal display quality and performance across portal interfaces.

File Format Requirements

Supported Formats:

• PNG (Portable Network Graphics) - Recommended for logos and graphics with transparency
• JPG/JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) - Recommended for photographs
• GIF (Graphics Interchange Format) - Supported for simple graphics and animations

Format Selection Guidance:

Use PNG when:

• Image contains transparency requirements
• Crisp edges and text are critical for readability
• Logo or branded graphic requires high quality
• Image will be displayed on varying background colors

Use JPG when:

• Image is photograph or complex visual without transparency
• File size optimization is priority for performance
• Image does not contain text requiring crisp rendering
• Continuous tone images require efficient compression

Use GIF when:

• Simple graphics with limited color palette
• Animation is desired (if supported by interface)
• Small file size is critical for performance

File Size Limitations

Maximum File Size: 4 MB per image

Optimization Considerations:

• Compress images appropriately balancing quality and file size
• Use image editing tools to optimize files before upload
• Consider portal performance when selecting high-resolution images
• Test image upload and display to verify acceptable loading times

Dimension Recommendations

Recommended Dimensions: 280 × 205 pixels

Aspect Ratio: Approximately 1.37:1 (landscape orientation)

Dimension Guidance:

At Recommended Dimensions:

• Optimal display quality without scaling
• Consistent appearance across all display locations
• Balanced file size and visual quality
• Professional presentation without pixelation or distortion

Larger Dimensions:

• Higher resolution supports display on high-DPI screens
• System scales down for display maintaining quality
• Increased file size may impact loading performance
• Use for visually important flagship courses or programs

Smaller Dimensions:

• May appear pixelated when scaled up for display
• Not recommended as display quality suffers
• Only appropriate if file size constraints require optimization

Uploading Course Pictures

Course picture upload establishes custom visual representation for course replacing default imagery.

Upload Workflow

1. Ensure Course Picture tab is selected in course navigation
2. Click Upload Image button in Course Picture interface
3. Browser file selection dialog opens for image selection
4. Navigate to course picture image file on your computer
5. Select image file meeting format and size requirements
6. Click Open to initiate image upload
7. System uploads image and displays in Course Picture tab
8. Image is active immediately appearing in course listings and views

Upload Verification

After upload completes, verify course picture displays correctly:

Immediate Verification:

• Review uploaded image in Course Picture tab confirming successful upload
• Check image quality and cropping to ensure acceptable appearance
• Navigate to Courses tab to verify image appears in course list
• Switch to Learner View to validate learner-facing display

Display Quality Check:

• Verify image is not pixelated or distorted in display
• Confirm colors render accurately without unexpected shifts
• Check text readability if image contains text or labels
• Test image appearance across different browsers if possible

Removing Course Pictures

Course picture removal returns course to default image display when custom picture is no longer desired.

Removal Workflow

1. Navigate to Course Picture tab in course navigation
2. Locate Remove button below uploaded course picture
3. Click Remove button to delete current course picture
4. System removes uploaded image immediately
5. Course returns to displaying default course image
6. Verify removal by checking course listing displays default image

Default Image Behavior

After course picture removal, course displays default course image configured in Training Module Settings.

Default Image Source:

• System-wide default course image configured by administrators
• Applies to all courses without custom uploaded pictures
• Provides consistent appearance for courses without custom imagery
• Can be updated in Training Module Settings General tab

When to Remove Pictures:

• Course imagery is outdated or no longer appropriate
• Rebranding requires temporary removal before new image availability
• Course is being deprecated and custom imagery should be removed
• Default image provides adequate representation without custom picture
• Image quality issues require removal pending replacement upload

Updating Course Pictures

Existing course pictures can be replaced by uploading new images overwriting previous uploads.

Update Workflow

1. Navigate to Course Picture tab in course navigation
2. Click Upload Image button to select replacement image
3. Select new image file from computer meeting requirements
4. Click Open to upload replacement image
5. System replaces previous course picture with new image
6. New image displays immediately in all course views

Update Considerations

Planning Picture Updates:

• Prepare replacement image meeting specifications before initiating update
• Consider timing updates to minimize learner confusion from appearance changes
• Maintain visual consistency with related courses during updates
• Test new images before upload to ensure quality and appropriateness

Communication Planning:

• Major visual changes may require learner notification for recognition
• Coordinate picture updates with course content updates when appropriate
• Document picture change rationale for future reference
• Maintain image archives for potential reversion if needed

Course Picture Best Practices

Strategic course picture management enhances training program presentation and learner experience.

Image Selection Strategy

Choose images that:

• Clearly represent course topic or subject matter
• Align with organizational branding guidelines and visual identity
• Are professionally produced with high quality and appropriate composition
• Differentiate course from other offerings in training catalog
• Appeal to target audience supporting engagement and enrollment

Avoid images that:

• Contain excessive text reducing readability at display sizes
• Use low contrast making visual elements unclear
• Include inappropriate content for business training environment
• Are overly complex reducing recognition at thumbnail sizes
• Conflict with accessibility considerations for diverse audiences

Visual Consistency

Maintain consistency through:

• Similar design language across related course categories
• Consistent color palettes within course families or programs
• Unified style approach (photography vs. illustration vs. graphics)
• Recognizable visual patterns supporting intuitive catalog navigation
• Brand element placement ensuring organizational identity visibility

Benefits of consistency:

• Enhanced course family recognition in catalog browsing
• Professional appearance supporting program credibility
• Intuitive user experience through predictable visual patterns
• Simplified course discovery through visual categorization
• Reduced cognitive load for learners navigating training catalog

Technical Quality

Ensure images feature:

• Appropriate resolution for display size without pixelation
• Optimized file size balancing quality and performance
• Correct aspect ratio preventing distortion in display
• Proper color space and calibration for accurate rendering
• Clean composition without distracting elements

Quality assurance process:

• Review images at actual display size before upload
• Test images across different browsers and devices
• Verify color accuracy on various displays when possible
• Confirm text readability if labels or titles included
• Validate performance impact of file size on loading times

Accessibility Considerations

Support accessible design through:

• Adequate color contrast for users with visual impairments
• Meaningful visual content not relying solely on color differentiation
• Simple, clear imagery supporting cognitive accessibility
• Text alternatives (alt text) when image serves informational purpose
• Avoiding flashing or animated content that may cause issues

Accessibility testing:

• Review images with accessibility evaluation tools when available
• Consider diverse audience needs in image selection
• Validate that course identification does not rely exclusively on visual elements
• Ensure course titles and descriptions provide equivalent information
• Test with assistive technologies when targeting diverse populations

Branding Integration

Incorporate branding through:

• Organizational logo placement ensuring brand recognition
• Brand color utilization maintaining visual identity
• Design element consistency with broader organizational materials
• Typography alignment with brand guidelines where applicable
• Visual style matching corporate identity standards

Branding balance:

• Maintain professional appearance without overwhelming brand presence
• Ensure course content remains focal point of imagery
• Balance brand visibility with course topic representation
• Avoid excessive logo sizing reducing content focus
• Coordinate with marketing teams for brand compliance

Image Sourcing Strategies

Effective image sourcing provides high-quality visuals supporting professional course presentation.

Internal Image Resources

Organizational assets:

• Corporate image library or digital asset management systems
• Marketing department graphic resources and brand materials
• Previously created training materials with reusable imagery
• Internal photography or graphic design team outputs
• Custom illustrations or graphics created for training programs

Internal sourcing benefits:

• Guaranteed licensing and usage rights without complications
• Brand-aligned imagery maintaining visual consistency
• Cost-effective utilization of existing organizational assets
• Custom content specifically created for organizational needs
• Control over image modifications and adaptations

Stock Photography and Graphics

Commercial stock resources:

• Licensed stock photography from commercial providers
• Royalty-free image libraries with business licensing
• Graphic and illustration marketplaces for custom visuals
• Icon and symbol libraries for consistent design elements
• Vector graphics resources for scalable imagery

Stock sourcing considerations:

• Verify licensing permits intended usage and distribution
• Avoid overused stock images reducing authenticity perception
• Select images representing diverse and inclusive audiences
• Ensure images align with organizational values and culture
• Budget for licensing costs in training program planning

Custom Image Creation

Professional design services:

• Graphic designers creating custom course imagery
• Photographers producing branded course photography
• Illustrators developing unique visual content
• Design agencies providing comprehensive visual programs
• Freelance creators offering specialized expertise

Custom creation advantages:

• Unique imagery distinguishing courses from competitors
• Perfect alignment with branding and visual requirements
• Tailored content representing specific course topics accurately
• Ownership of created assets for unlimited usage
• Professional quality supporting premium program perception

Managing Course Picture Catalog

Strategic catalog-wide picture management ensures consistency and quality across training programs.

Catalog-Wide Standards

Establish standards for:

• Dimension and format requirements for all course pictures
• Visual style guidelines (photography, illustration, graphics mix)
• Color palette and branding element usage
• Text inclusion policies and readability requirements
• Quality standards for image resolution and composition

Standards documentation:

• Create course picture style guide for administrator reference
• Provide examples demonstrating acceptable vs. unacceptable images
• Document decision criteria for image selection and approval
• Maintain standards as living document adapting to evolving needs
• Communicate standards to all stakeholders involved in course creation

Quality Control Process

Implement quality checks for:

• Image specification compliance before upload
• Visual quality and professional appearance assessment
• Brand alignment and consistency verification
• Accessibility consideration validation
• Technical performance impact evaluation

Review workflow:

• Designate reviewers responsible for picture approval
• Establish approval process before course publication
• Create feedback mechanism for picture improvement requests
• Monitor catalog periodically for quality maintenance
• Update images proactively when quality degrades or outdates

Catalog Maintenance

Regular maintenance activities:

• Periodic review of existing course pictures for currency and quality
• Update outdated imagery reflecting old branding or content
• Remove or replace low-quality images not meeting current standards
• Coordinate picture updates with course content revisions
• Document picture update history for organizational records

Maintenance planning:

• Schedule regular catalog review cycles (annually, bi-annually)
• Prioritize updates for high-visibility or strategic courses
• Budget resources for ongoing picture maintenance and updates
• Track update timing to prevent catalog-wide appearance changes
• Communicate update plans to stakeholders for coordination

Troubleshooting Tips

Course Picture Not Uploading

Verify image file format is supported (PNG, JPG, or GIF) and not corrupted or non-standard.

Check that image file size does not exceed 4 MB maximum limit for uploads.

Ensure stable internet connection during upload for successful file transfer.

Try different browser if upload consistently fails in current browser environment.

Confirm you have Manage Courses permissions at appropriate scope for picture upload.

Uploaded Picture Not Displaying

Refresh browser page after upload to trigger display update in course listing.

Clear browser cache if image fails to display after confirmed successful upload.

Verify upload actually completed successfully by checking Course Picture tab shows image.

Check image file is not corrupted by attempting to open file outside portal.

Test display in different browser to rule out browser-specific display issues.

Picture Appears Distorted or Pixelated

Verify uploaded image dimensions are adequate for display (280 × 205 recommended minimum).

Check that image aspect ratio is appropriate (approximately 1.37:1 landscape orientation).

Ensure image resolution is sufficient without relying on excessive scaling for display.

Replace image with higher quality version if current image does not meet quality standards.

Review image file for corruption or quality issues in image editing software.

Picture Quality Degrades After Upload

Verify original image is high quality before upload and not already degraded.

Check if system applies compression during upload reducing quality unexpectedly.

Use PNG format instead of JPG if image contains text or sharp edges requiring clarity.

Upload at recommended dimensions or larger to prevent quality loss from scaling.

Test different image optimization before upload to find balance of quality and file size.

Cannot Remove Course Picture

Verify you have Manage Courses permissions at appropriate scope for picture management.

Refresh browser page if Remove button appears unresponsive or non-functional.

Check that course sharing settings allow your modification access based on permissions.

Try different browser if removal functionality fails in current browser environment.

Contact system administrator if removal issues persist after permission verification.

Default Image Not Displaying After Removal

Verify default course image is configured in Training Module Settings General tab.

Check that default image configuration is valid and image file is accessible.

Refresh browser and clear cache to ensure default image displays after removal.

Confirm system settings allow default image fallback for courses without pictures.

Contact administrator if default image configuration appears incorrect or missing.

Picture Upload Fails with Large Files

Reduce image file size through compression or optimization before upload attempt.

Use image editing software to resize image to recommended dimensions reducing file size.

Convert image to more efficient format (JPG for photos, PNG for graphics) if appropriate.

Verify file size is well below 4 MB limit allowing buffer for successful upload.

Consider internet connection speed if large files fail due to connection instability.

Picture Update Timing Creates Confusion

Plan picture updates during low-traffic periods minimizing learner disruption.

Communicate significant visual changes to learners through notifications or announcements.

Coordinate picture updates with course content updates for logical timing.

Maintain previous images as backup enabling quick reversion if issues occur.

Test picture updates in non-production environment when available before production implementation.

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