---
title: "The Media Library"
source: "https://docs.nexcess.com/software/learndash/academy/the-media-library/"
description: "[wp101 video=\"media-library\"] In this video, the instructor explains how to use the Media Library in WordPress to manage, edit, and organize files such as image…"
vertical: "Software"
area: "Academy"
topics: ["General WordPress", "Getting Started", "Videos", "WordPress 101"]
date: "2023-02-22"
last_modified: "2023-02-22"
---

# The Media Library

\[wp101 video=”media-library”\]

In this video, the instructor explains how to use the **Media Library** in WordPress to manage, edit, and organize files such as images, audio, and PDFs.

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#### **1. What the Media Library Does**

- Stores every file you upload (images, audio, PDFs, etc.).
- Becomes increasingly important as your site grows with dozens or hundreds of files.
- Two views available: 
    - **Grid View** – visual thumbnails
    - **List View** – sortable columns (file name, author, upload date, attached posts/pages)

---

#### **2. File Management**

- Hovering over a file shows quick actions: 
    - **Edit**
    - **Delete permanently**
    - **View attached page/post**
- **Attached vs. Unattached Files:**
    - Attached = file is used in a page or post
    - Unattached = uploaded but not yet used
    - You can **manually attach** a file to a page/post using the **Attach link**
- Filters: 
    - View by **file type**
    - View by **upload date**
- Bulk select files to **delete multiple items at once**

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#### **3. Editing File Metadata**

- Select a file to edit: 
    - **Alt text** (important for accessibility and SEO)
    - **Title**
    - **Caption**
    - **Description**

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#### **4. Image Editing Tools**

- Select **Edit Image** for basic tools: 
    - **Crop**
    - **Rotate**
    - **Flip**
    - **Undo/redo**
- Resize oversized images: 
    - Use **Scale Image** to proportionally reduce dimensions
- **Crop with aspect ratio**: 
    - Set aspect ratio (e.g., 8×10)
    - Drag to select and refine crop area
    - Enter exact pixel dimensions if needed
- Choose which sizes to apply edits to: 
    - All image sizes
    - Thumbnail only
    - All sizes except thumbnail
- Save edits or **restore the original image** anytime

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#### **5. Automatic Image Sizes**

- Every uploaded image generates multiple versions: 
    - **Thumbnail**
    - **Small**
    - **Medium**
    - **Large**
    - **Full-size original**

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### **Key Takeaway:**

The **Media Library** is your central hub for managing all uploaded files in WordPress. Beyond storage, it lets you **organize, edit, resize, and optimize images**, making sure your site stays visually polished and mobile-friendly.