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CurtEastPoint

(18,552 posts)
Thu Aug 31, 2017, 03:38 PM Aug 2017

How to post photos to DU (Rev. June 2020)

This discussion thread is pinned.

Last edited Mon Jun 22, 2020, 09:37 AM - Edit history (6)

As you have discovered probably by now, you cannot paste photos into the message text box here on DU. Hey, no worry! Even experienced DU members with thousands of posts have to sometimes ask this question, so... welcome!

For a photo (image, video, etc.) to display on DU, the hyperlink (also called the URL or web address among other things...) must be placed in the message box. The image will display when you click Preview (always test!) and when you post it.

SITUATION ONE: I want to post an image I found on the internet.

Depending on which internet browser you use, you may see different options when you right-click on an image you have found while browsing.

If you use Chrome or Firefox, a right click on the image will display Copy image address.
Then paste the copied address into the DU message box. Bam!

If you use Internet Explorer/Bing, right click the image, click Properties, and you will see Address (URL). Select the address (htt p://blah blah...jpg (or png, gif, etc.) and copy it. Paste it into the message text box on DU.

If you use a different browser, Google how to find the image URL for that browser. They are all slightly different.

NOTE: If you try the method above and you don't see the copy image address or Properties/Address/URL, it can't be done this way. You will have to get a screenshot of the image (Windows has Snipping Tool) and save it on your computer as a .jpg file (or .png) and upload it to the image hosting site, as detailed below.


SITUATION TWO: I want to post a photo that I have on my own computer. It is NOT on the internet (yet!)

First, get that image from your computer uploaded to a web-based image hosting site. There are many. Photobucket was very popular until just recently when it became unaffordable. Imgur is a free site. There are more explained in this document (valid as of 8/2/2017) https://www.lifewire.com/free-image-hosting-sites-3486329 .

Because of the different places to put your image, I can't give you step by step on how to upload your image. Once you have uploaded your image to your upload site, you will see that it may offer you various types of links. You need the Direct Link, as indicated in the screenshot below. Click the copy button. Then paste into your DU message box. Done!



YIKES! WTH? But it just shows the URL in the DU message box and not the photo!

The image you are trying to link to may be part of a slideshow or gallery. If when right-clicking on the image you want you don't see the copy image address or Properties/Address/URL, it can't be done this way. You will have to get a screenshot of it and save it on your computer as a jpg file (or png) and upload it to the image hosting site, as shown above.

The URL you pasted into DU must end with one of the standard file format extensions such as .jpg, .gif, .png, etc.

What about YouTube videos?

Easiest way is when you are on the YouTube page viewing your video, simply click in the address bar for the page and copy that URL. Then paste it into the DU message box. NOTE: DU does not recognize the 'start at' x seconds command, so you will have to literally type in the instructions something like "the relevant part starts at the 4:20 mark" See screenshot:




49 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
How to post photos to DU (Rev. June 2020) (Original Post) CurtEastPoint Aug 2017 OP
Thank you. Solly Mack Aug 2017 #1
Thanks a lot. I have added your instructions as a link on my desktop for handy reference. Glorfindel Aug 2017 #2
Well, I am flattered! CurtEastPoint Aug 2017 #3
The image you are trying kechua2 Nov 2017 #4
Thank you. Let me add that in, if you don't mind. CurtEastPoint Nov 2017 #5
and I'm sorry this is just gobblygook to me, I am worthless at all this tech stuff. Sorry. a kennedy Sep 2020 #27
message box? and the copy thing does not copy or address. pansypoo53219 Jan 2018 #6
Sorry. I'm not clear on what you are saying. CurtEastPoint Jan 2018 #7
Sorry, but I see no Message Box CaliforniaHoustonian Oct 2022 #41
See this screenshot from my Samsung CurtEastPoint Oct 2022 #42
Could it be that I am new & not a Star poster? CaliforniaHoustonian Oct 2022 #43
apples and oranges.... there is no such thing as 'message box' and I tried to explain that CurtEastPoint Oct 2022 #44
A click on this link will show what I see when I... CaliforniaHoustonian Oct 2022 #45
okay, just so I can find this again StTimofEdenRoc Jun 2018 #8
My photos are on Picasa and google photo. 3Hotdogs Nov 2018 #9
Then they are on the internet, right? Each photo should have a URL CurtEastPoint Nov 2018 #10
Testing... NewDayOranges Jun 2019 #19
Hi, I think imgur doesn't do direct links anymore. Lucky Luciano May 2019 #11
I just made an image of your response, uploaded it and pasted the 'direct link' below CurtEastPoint May 2019 #12
Here is the link imgur gives me Lucky Luciano May 2019 #13
I see what you are doing now. Stay away from the address bar.... CurtEastPoint May 2019 #14
I don't get such a list of options. Lucky Luciano May 2019 #15
Sure. Had no idea about (1) ipad and (2) imgur app. Good luck! CurtEastPoint May 2019 #16
I struggled thru this issue and finally figured it out MagickMuffin Jan 2023 #46
It was iPad vs desktop differences. Lucky Luciano Jan 2023 #47
Thanks for the additional info, but I'm gonna stick with my method MagickMuffin Jan 2023 #48
Coming 'round the bend ohhellyes May 2019 #17
This message was self-deleted by its author ohhellyes May 2019 #18
Message auto-removed Name removed Aug 2019 #20
Thank you for this. qwlauren35 May 2020 #21
If you right click on FB photos on Chrome you do not get a url that will show up here. I just Maraya1969 Aug 2020 #22
Facebook is an exception. You have to save photo and upload it and get its own new URL. Sorry CurtEastPoint Aug 2020 #23
This message was self-deleted by its author CurtEastPoint Sep 2020 #26
I have been trying to post my photo all morning......I have Safari as my browser...... a kennedy Sep 2020 #24
clueless about mac/apple/safari. Maybe one of our Apple people might help? Sorry. CurtEastPoint Sep 2020 #25
try these... people in the Photog group responded to my ? CurtEastPoint Sep 2020 #28
test photokath Jan 2021 #29
Nope. Notice nothing happens on that photo when you right click. It's embedded in HTML. CurtEastPoint Jan 2021 #30
How to get a direct URL for photos on Flickr William Seger Apr 2021 #31
Thanks for adding that! CurtEastPoint Apr 2021 #32
Hopefully I will post some of my pictures after I carefully read how to do it..I am a picture taker Stuart G Dec 2021 #33
Please do and if you have issues, let me know or post in the photog forum. CurtEastPoint Dec 2021 #34
This message was self-deleted by its author Applan Dec 2021 #35
What's the current (2/2022) consensus on photo hosting? intrepidity Feb 2022 #36
I use Imgur and never have had a problem. CurtEastPoint Feb 2022 #37
Is Imgur an app? cilla4progress May 2022 #38
Thanks. Midnight Writer Oct 2022 #39
First try sunflowerseed Oct 2022 #40
Thanks! I copied the image URL viva la Sep 2023 #49

kechua2

(1 post)
4. The image you are trying
Wed Nov 22, 2017, 07:10 PM
Nov 2017

The image you are trying to link to may be part of a slide show or gallery. If you don't see the copy image address or Properties/Address/URL, it can't be done this way. You will have to get a screenshot of it and save it on your computer as a jpg file (or png) and upload it to the image hosting site, as shown above.

CurtEastPoint

(18,552 posts)
7. Sorry. I'm not clear on what you are saying.
Sat Jan 6, 2018, 09:46 AM
Jan 2018

Message box is this box right here where you are entering the URL for the image and any other text you wish to add.

43. Could it be that I am new & not a Star poster?
Fri Oct 21, 2022, 11:09 AM
Oct 2022

...that I cannot see the Message Box?

Check this link to a screen shot of what I see when I click on Edit Avatar, please.:

https://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=profile&uid=367251

And thanks so much for your prompt reply above

CurtEastPoint

(18,552 posts)
44. apples and oranges.... there is no such thing as 'message box' and I tried to explain that
Fri Oct 21, 2022, 11:12 AM
Oct 2022

I am describing posting an image in a post. That's what my screen shot shows.

I am sorry I confused you.

For the AVATAR business... the file you wanna use has to fit in these confines as listed on the screenshot AND the file MUST be uploaded to DU. In that way it's NOT like posting a photo. If you are using your phone, the avatar photo MUST be on the phone.

45. A click on this link will show what I see when I...
Sat Oct 22, 2022, 01:59 AM
Oct 2022

Last edited Sat Oct 22, 2022, 01:07 PM - Edit history (1)

...click on Edit Avatar:

https://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1002&pid=17271923

And I see no place to insert this (my) image or this Internet URL to it:



https://i.postimg.cc/kXF541R6/Screen-Hunter-451-Dec-12-16-58 .jpg


I fear that I may have to take a wheelchair trip... (I had an operation for spinal stenosis 8/3/2022 to "snip, starting from the top, vertebrae 3, 4, 5, 6 & the top of 7 on the back of my neck where they fuse together, to relieve the pressure on my spinal cord" [pinched nerve(s).] Then a swollen testicle and a blood pressure reading of 209/109 resulted in a 911 trip to the hospital where they took a scan that showed my urethra closed off & needing my prostate to be reamed out. They then inserted a Foley catheter into my penis 9/2/2022, to remain until I heal from the operation I had 10/22/2022 that drained my swollen testicle.)... to my computer to insert my images, because my Samsung Galaxy A53 5G doesn't seem to let me upload my images directly, & instead wants me to go through their site:

https://linksharing.samsungcloud.com/xLnvv4jQ4jBD

Sorry for the probably wrongly done insertion into the middle of a sentence above. I like to tell true stories from my life, because I believe it helps my memory, mightbeinteresting to others, & in this case, maybe helps or enlightens somewhat others with nerve pain.

Anyway, if you can help me here, I will so appreciate it.




CurtEastPoint

(18,552 posts)
10. Then they are on the internet, right? Each photo should have a URL
Sun Nov 18, 2018, 10:44 PM
Nov 2018

Same as this section above: I want to post an image I found on the internet.

NewDayOranges

(691 posts)
19. Testing...
Fri Jun 28, 2019, 09:38 PM
Jun 2019

Mozilla Firefox - it works! right click on image, select "Copy link location", then right click and "paste" at the destination...


Lucky Luciano

(11,242 posts)
11. Hi, I think imgur doesn't do direct links anymore.
Sun May 5, 2019, 05:54 AM
May 2019


To get this, I pasted the link they gave without a proper picture extension and put it into my safari browser. Then I pressed the picture to get a “copy image” hitch provides a link.

I then have to delete everything past the “.jpg” and delete the “_d” before the jpg to make the image the proper size.

What is the way to do this now if this hack isn’t it?

?maxwidth=640&shape=thumb&fidelity=medium

CurtEastPoint

(18,552 posts)
12. I just made an image of your response, uploaded it and pasted the 'direct link' below
Sun May 5, 2019, 07:21 AM
May 2019


I am not sure what you mean by 'link they gave me'

If someone (or the internet) provides an image link it needs to end with .jpg or .png etc. DU doesn't recognize past that.

Are you trying to paste an image from the net? If so, display the image in your browser and (I don't know Apple stuff) right click and you should see get image link or some such.

Good luck

Lucky Luciano

(11,242 posts)
13. Here is the link imgur gives me
Sun May 5, 2019, 08:57 AM
May 2019
https://imgur.com/a/87vc1L1

Not very useful of course...but if I paste this link into the browser of my iPad, then press and hold the image for a second, I get the option to “copy” which provides a jpg that I have to modify as mentioned in my first post.

CurtEastPoint

(18,552 posts)
14. I see what you are doing now. Stay away from the address bar....
Sun May 5, 2019, 09:06 AM
May 2019

Display the image (click your name, then images) and THEN click the COPY button next to Direct Link



Copying the address bar URL just takes you to the image in Imgur.



Lucky Luciano

(11,242 posts)
15. I don't get such a list of options.
Sun May 5, 2019, 10:17 AM
May 2019

Last edited Sun May 5, 2019, 10:52 AM - Edit history (1)

Maybe because I’m using the imgur iPad app. All I get is “copy link”.

I’ll keep looking for it - I hope it can be done easily in-app as using the web browser is inconvenient compared to what the app could be.

The browser on iPad does get me a direct link albeit with a different menu and a little extra work to copy it. I guess that will do for now.

My laptop with chrome might be easier, but obviously that is less convenient than relaxing with the iPad!

...but thank you for all the quick responses!



MagickMuffin

(15,893 posts)
46. I struggled thru this issue and finally figured it out
Mon Jan 9, 2023, 02:17 PM
Jan 2023


Hold down on the pic, a Copy link appears and next to it there are 3 dots, click it, then the pop up window appears, there are several options to choose from but the one you want is the BBCode (forums) hit the green button and Copy Link, then use that to paste in the forum.

It was somewhat frustrating but I didn’t give up until I figured it out. Using my google photos saving them to my iPad photos and then I’m able to upload.


I hope this helps.




MagickMuffin

(15,893 posts)
48. Thanks for the additional info, but I'm gonna stick with my method
Mon Jan 9, 2023, 05:12 PM
Jan 2023


I don’t like all the ads on the postimage site.

Perhaps others will like it.


Response to CurtEastPoint (Original post)

Response to CurtEastPoint (Original post)

Maraya1969

(22,441 posts)
22. If you right click on FB photos on Chrome you do not get a url that will show up here. I just
Tue Aug 25, 2020, 06:44 PM
Aug 2020

tried to do it over in GD and I've actually never been able to do it.

CurtEastPoint

(18,552 posts)
23. Facebook is an exception. You have to save photo and upload it and get its own new URL. Sorry
Tue Aug 25, 2020, 07:30 PM
Aug 2020

Here is the image URL from a FB photo. Doesn't work. As you know already!

?_nc_cat=109&_nc_sid=85a577&_nc_ohc=IZH3D9_4afYAX9XUF0g&_nc_ht=scontent.fatl1-1.fna&oh=c8a1aa4130534960ef2c5966205f793b&oe=5F6BF36B

Response to Maraya1969 (Reply #22)

a kennedy

(29,467 posts)
24. I have been trying to post my photo all morning......I have Safari as my browser......
Sat Sep 5, 2020, 02:20 PM
Sep 2020

and I can’t find info anywhere, or maybe I’m just so ill equipped to do it. But shoot would love to show the plant AND the monarchs.

CurtEastPoint

(18,552 posts)
25. clueless about mac/apple/safari. Maybe one of our Apple people might help? Sorry.
Sat Sep 5, 2020, 02:25 PM
Sep 2020

Since I don't have those devices or s/w, when I wrote this I could not outline the steps.

CurtEastPoint

(18,552 posts)
28. try these... people in the Photog group responded to my ?
Sat Sep 5, 2020, 02:49 PM
Sep 2020

Go here if you have further questions: https://www.democraticunderground.com/103678417

Mac:

Hold Control key down, click image, select 'Copy Image Address'

Mobile device:

Press and hold image, select copy, paste into DU post
(Sometimes you need to paste that into the address bar of a new tab to get the image URL in older iOS versions, then copy and paste that into the DU post.)

BTW - I highly recommend people get the iCab Mobile browser for iOS devices (I think it's two dollars). There is a 'Copy Address (Photo)' option when pressing and holding.

William Seger

(10,742 posts)
31. How to get a direct URL for photos on Flickr
Mon Apr 19, 2021, 10:42 PM
Apr 2021

When you view a photo on Flickr, there is a "Share Photo" button (an arrow icon) in the lower right. When you click that, there are several options, the first of which is a plain https URL, but it's to a page on Flickr, so it's no use -- that page won't give you a direct link to the image file. But there is also a "BBCode" option for sharing, and when you click that, it gives you a text string with several URLs embedded in tags that are commonly used on forums, such as [img] and [url], but those don't work here. However, the URL between the [img] and [/img] tags is a direct link to an image file, which is what you want here.

So, go to "Share Photo", click on "BBCode", copy the whole string, paste it into a posting box here, and delete everything except the https URL for the .jpg file.

Stuart G

(38,365 posts)
33. Hopefully I will post some of my pictures after I carefully read how to do it..I am a picture taker
Sat Dec 18, 2021, 03:43 AM
Dec 2021

from way back, and way back further...(oh, and some are really good, if I do say so myself)

Stuart G

Response to CurtEastPoint (Original post)

intrepidity

(7,241 posts)
36. What's the current (2/2022) consensus on photo hosting?
Wed Feb 9, 2022, 05:15 PM
Feb 2022

Best, or preferred (why)?

Had an old Photobucket acct but haven't used for ages.

TIA!

viva la

(3,229 posts)
49. Thanks! I copied the image URL
Thu Sep 14, 2023, 09:42 AM
Sep 2023

There was 'junk' after the .jpg-

.jpg?v=4e5c11166f529429e37bbcbb597e9315

I previewed like you said, saw the junk under the image, came back to the post and deleted everything after jpg. Worked!

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