How do I upload a picture?

Before you upload anything to Wikipedia, you need to make sure that it's appropriate to upload. You cannot upload images taken from somewhere else unless they are clearly marked with a Creative Commons or public domain license. If it isn't marked with this, assume that the image is copyrighted and can't be uploaded. Be careful, as uploading copyrighted images will lead to the images getting deleted and can also lead to you getting blocked from editing on Wikipedia or uploading on Wikimedia Commons. You can see an overview of what can or can't be uploaded here. You can upload some copyrighted images to Wikipedia, but what you can add is fairly limited.

If you are uploading images that you took yourself, you should upload them to Wikimedia Commons. Anything uploaded there will be usable on Wikipedia. Uploading on Wikimedia Commons looks like this:

1. Select the image. It will be instantly uploaded and if you like, you will have the chance to add more images to be uploaded.

1. The next step deals with the image's rights. DO NOT select that the image is your own work unless it is an image that you took yourself. Saving an image and changing it to a new format does not count as you taking it yourself. If you're using an image from another location and you're not sure of what license it's under, do not upload the image and ask your content expert if the image is OK to upload. Adding the wrong license can lead to the image getting deleted.

2. The next step has you describing the image, giving it a title, date of creation (if you know this), and assigning categories. Sometimes this information will be automatically filled in if you're uploading an image you took yourself, but it's always good to doublecheck everything. When giving something a title, make sure that you're being descriptive and that the image doesn't use a random string of letters or numbers, as this makes it harder for people to find the image in question.

There is an excellent video on this process here as well.

Now adding an image to Wikipedia itself is more difficult, which is why it's better to use the Commons if you hold the license. You can find the upload option on Wikipedia on the left side bar, which will always be visible while you're on Wikipedia - although the option to upload is restricted to logged in editors.

This will take you to the Upload Wizard page on Wikipedia:

Clicking on the upload option will bring up a page where you will have to enter much of the same information as before, but in a slightly different format. You will still need to choose the file, title it, and give it a description. You will also need to select a copyright for the image. You can upload something you created yourself here and it will eventually be ... (more)