How to do basic Image Cropping in WordPress

Modified on Tue, 10 Sep at 2:37 PM

The built-in WordPress image editor is a super convenient way to crop images for your WordPress site without using any additional software or tools.

Step 1: Upload the image

First, you will need to upload an image to your WordPress media library, or wherever there is an option to upload an image.

Click add image and wait for it to upload.

Step 2: Click Edit Image

^ This screen shows that the upload is complete. Now click Edit image.

This will bring you to the image editor

Step 3: Prepare the Crop

The first tool is the crop tool, select 'Crop'.

You should notice a "bounding box" with dotted lines appears around the perimeter of your selection. For easier handling, drag these in to about 1/2 the image size.

A good trick is to make all of the images you will be working with the same aspect ratio, this will ensure the bottoms of them align when being used in a tile or card.

Step 3B: Aspect Ratio (optional)

Arrange the bounding box how you prefer. Once you apply crop this will capture the part of the image inside of the bounding box (and crops away the black overlay).

Step 4: Apply the Crop

When you are happy, hit Apply Crop

Only a few steps left before you can insert the image...

Step 5: Save the Crop

Hit save edits and wait for the next screen to load.

Step 6: Insert the Cropped Image

On the new screen, ensure your image is selected with the blue checkmark

Finally, on the right panel, click insert into post and your cropped image will be inserted.

You've now cropped your image!