Replacing an image

Replacing an image requires care because the same Media Library attachment may be used in more than one place on the site.

Before replacing an image

Do not assume that uploading a new file with the same filename will overwrite the existing attachment. WordPress normally creates a separate Media Library item.

Before deleting the old image, determine where it is used. If it appears in more than one page, post, gallery, map or featured-image field, all of those references must be considered.

Replacement procedure

1. Upload the replacement image as a new Media Library item.
2. Give it an appropriate title, caption and description.
3. Update each page, post, map, featured-image field or other record that should use the new image.
4. If the image belongs in a FooGallery gallery, assign the correct FooGallery Media Category, refresh the affected gallery if necessary and verify the public gallery.
5. Only after confirming that the old attachment is no longer required should it be deleted from the Media Library.

If the old attachment is used in several places and its full usage is uncertain, leave it in place until the webmaster has checked the references.