This guide requires a user with Restricted Editor role or higher and they must be the owner of the image. If you don't have access to the media section or have not uploaded the image yourself, you will not be able to make the necessary changes.
Focal Point allows the user to select the most important subject in an image so that Drupal's automatic cropping includes it.
To ensure consistency across the site, Drupal will display user-uploaded images at specific sizes, regardless of the original size provided. This will allow the user to upload any image without worrying about cropping or sizing. This automation covers most cases, but a few exceptions could benefit from guidelines and adjustments.
When to Change the Focal Point
This process is recommended for any image that, after uploading to Drupal, has been cropped so that the subject is incomplete.
Most cases that will benefit from this are photographs of subjects in portrait mode that were cropped to landscape orientation, cutting the subjects' faces in half. However, setting a focal point can also affect landscape photos with the subject off to the side, as well as abstract images that simply had a more interesting look in a specific area of the image.
How to Change the Focal Point
To change the focal point of an image, first make sure you're logged in and have already uploaded the image.
- From the Drupal navigation bar, go to Manage > Content > Media.
You will see the images uploaded to Drupal. - Use the filters at the top of the screen to find the image you want to modify.
- Click the Name of the image to open it up
- Use the image to identify your new focal point, then set it. (See below)
The cross will move immediately to where you clicked, and you can readjust it as needed. - Optionally, use the Preview button to review the different sizes and confirm that it worked as intended.
- Click Save, and you're all done!
To set the focal point, place the crosshair over the section of the photo you want to focus on.
Click to enlarge image.
It is also possible to begin editing an image directly within the content where it has been placed.
Please note that these changes apply to every use of the image, not just the image on the page you start with.
Limits
Although setting the focal point will help in most situations, images that are too small or drastically changing proportions can still yield less-than-ideal results. For these cases, we recommend images that have the following guidelines:
- Generally speaking, landscape images work best
- Choose images with plenty of space around your subject
- Use images with a large side of at least 1200px
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