To add multiple images to an infobox, you can pass a <gallery> tag to the image parameter within the infobox template. This method allows you to display several images in one designated media area of the infobox, creating a visually rich and informative display.
Adding Multiple Images to an Infobox
Infoboxes are designed to provide quick summaries, often including a key image. When a single image isn't enough to represent the subject adequately, using a gallery is the most effective solution. By embedding a <gallery> tag directly into the image parameter of an infobox, you can present a collection of related images.
Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s how to implement a gallery within an infobox:
- Identify the Image Parameter: Locate the parameter in your infobox template that is designed for images, commonly named
|image=,|images=,|photo=, or similar. - Insert the
<gallery>Tag: Within this parameter, begin with the<gallery>opening tag. - List Your Images: On separate lines between the opening and closing gallery tags, list each image using the standard file syntax, for example:
File:ExampleImage1.jpg|Caption for image 1. - Close the Tag: End with the
</gallery>closing tag.
Example Syntax
Here is a practical example of how this would look within a generic infobox template:
{{Infobox Example
| name = Subject Name
| description = A brief description of the subject.
| image =
<gallery>
File:FirstImage.jpg|A primary view of the subject
File:SecondImage.jpg|An alternative perspective
File:ThirdImage.jpg|A close-up detail
</gallery>
| category = Example Category
}}Customizing Your Image Gallery
The <gallery> tag supports several parameters to control the layout and appearance of your images. You can place these parameters directly within the opening <gallery> tag (e.g., <gallery mode="packed">).
| Parameter | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
mode |
Defines the layout style (e.g., traditional, packed, slideshow). |
<gallery mode="packed"> |
caption |
Adds an overall caption for the entire gallery. | <gallery caption="Overview Photos"> |
widths |
Sets the maximum width for each image thumbnail (e.g., 200px). |
<gallery widths="180px"> |
heights |
Sets the maximum height for each image thumbnail (e.g., 150px). |
<gallery heights="120px"> |
perrow |
Specifies how many images should appear on each row. | <gallery perrow="2"> |
For instance, to create a packed gallery with a caption and specific image dimensions:
| image =
<gallery mode="packed" caption="Various views of the {{PAGENAME}}" widths="200px" perrow="2">
File:ImageA.png|Main view
File:ImageB.png|Side view
File:ImageC.png|Top-down perspective
File:ImageD.png|Interior detail
</gallery>Incorporating Videos in Infoboxes
Adding a video to an infobox follows a similar principle to adding an image. You can use the standard wiki markup for embedding files within the image parameter, just as you would with an image file. This means the infobox can display a video thumbnail which, when clicked, will play the video.
Video Syntax Example
To add a video, use the [[File:]] syntax with the video file:
{{Infobox Example
| name = Event Name
| description = Highlights from the annual event.
| image = [[File:EventHighlights.ogv|thumb|Highlights from the main stage]]
| date = YYYY-MM-DD
}}Ensure the video file is in a supported format (e.g., .ogv, .webm, .mp4, depending on platform configuration) and properly uploaded.
Best Practices for Infobox Media
- Relevance: Only include images or videos that are directly relevant to the infobox's subject.
- Quality: Use high-resolution, clear images and videos.
- Captions: Always provide descriptive captions for each image and video to give context.
- Accessibility: Consider users with visual impairments by ensuring captions are informative.
- File Formats: Use widely supported file formats for images (e.g., .jpg, .png, .gif) and videos.
- Balance: While galleries allow multiple images, avoid over-populating them. Focus on the most representative and important visuals.
