Googlepedia:Image use policy

The following guidelines are strongly encouraged when uploading images for use in the Googlepedia. We would like to thank the Nintendo Wiki for writing the original policy page.


 * For brand new images uploaded to the Nintendo Wiki via the upload file page:
 * PNG is the preferred format as it retains the highest level of quality.
 * JPG is generally only desirable for photographic images and movie or TV screenshots.
 * GIF files are desirable in the case of animated images.
 * SVG is a great alternative to PNG for things like symbols and logos, where available.
 * WebP is a versatile format and an acceptable alternative to PNG or JPG.
 * As a general rule, files should be uploaded in the format they were found in (with the exception of formats not supported by the wiki, which should be first converted to PNG). Otherwise, converting between formats either sacrifices image quality or bloats the file size without increasing quality. Screenshots found in the JPG format and uploaded as such are also easily identifiable, when aiming to source higher quality PNG replacements.
 * JPG artwork with solid color, patterned, or scenery backgrounds should also not be converted for the sake of replacing them with transparent backgrounds, as this can lead to leftover off-color edge pixels as a result of bad transparency, which are easily visible when viewed on a different color background. Such images should just be uploaded as they are without any modifications to the backgrounds whatsoever.
 * Re-uploading existing images solely to optimize file size or convert the image format (e.g. from GIF to PNG) is discouraged. These practices ultimately take up more storage space on the server while the result has no discernible visual difference.
 * When taking screenshots, note that screenshots must be taken from single app and user interface above and below the display.
 * If a screenshot contains any black borders which would not normally be seen on a television display, those borders should be cropped-out.
 * When uploading a file, be sure to give it a straightforward and meaningful name, as this makes it easier to use, is better for searching purposes and looks more professional.
 * In general, names should include the title of the service/company/etc. (or an abbreviation), what kind of image it is (profile art, screenshot, boxart, etc.), and what the image is of (i.e. the purpose of action, something notable about the image's contents, etc.). This is not a strict standard: the order can be changed and different images may require more or less information. That being said, aiming to have those three pieces of information is ideal, but as long as a file name is accurate enough to be useful for knowing what the image is and how it could be used on the wiki, it will be allowed. For example, a name like "Screenshot-82.png" is vague and nonspecific, while "Google Drive - storage space interface.png" is too cumbersome for a file name; instead, "GD storage space interface.png" would both be appropriately succinct yet informative name choices.
 * Using abbreviations is often preferable to the full names of games and other media, however abbreviations and any other shorthand used must be well-known and easy to use. For instance, "GD storage space interface" is instantly understandable, whereas "GDSSI.png" is not nearly as clear.
 * If the file name is already accurately describing the image, it shouldn't be moved unless absolutely necessary, such as fixing the extension.
 * Avoid using punctuation (parenthesis, colons, dashes, etc.), superfluous words, conversational names, and any other padding that may make names longer and more complicated than they need to be. If the file's name uses any hyphens, dashes, exclamations, or apostrophes that are used in the subject's title, they can remain.
 * Don't use symbols (stars, hearts, etc.), foreign characters/alphabets (i.e. Japanese kana or Greek letters), accented letters (é, ü, etc.), or any other specialized characters. These are often difficult to type for many users and may even render as unicode rather than the proper symbols, making the images even harder to understand and use.
 * Unless subject material is in another language, please use English for the file names: this will ensure everyone will be able to understand.
 * Names should be serious and professional. As such, inappropriate or offensive material should be avoided, words should not be intentionally misspelled or garbled, and any other attempts at humor, mockery, or sarcasm would be best saved for userspace.
 * Filename extensions should be lowercase (e.g. "Example.png" and not "Example.PNG") and ".jpg" is preferred over ".jpeg".
 * When in the process of uploading files, the syntax for aboutfile automatically appears in the summary box. This should be formatted correctly, and repeatedly not doing so is considered an offense.