Step-By-Step
Images and Blackboard
(Text version)

1.Image files (JPG, GIF and PNG) can be attached to a Blackboard content area or folder in the same manner that any other file is attached to a content area or folder. Images can also be displayed "inline" using the Special Actions dropdown box or directly in the WYSIWYG editor. Images can also be used as a course site banner or displayed on the faculty information page or student home page.

2. One of the problems often faced with using Image files in Blackboard is that many image files, especially those created with a digital camera, can sometimes result in an extremely large format filling up much of the Blackboard page. Except when using the WYSIWYG editor, Blackboard does not provide tools to reduce the space taken up by images.

3. The following are some tips to decreasing the size of digital images and adjusting the contrast and brightness.

• Open the image file in a image editing software application like Photoshop.
• Click on View / Actual Pixels. This will display the image at its actual size. Note that this may be much larger than your screen display.
• Click on Image / Image Size. This will display the Image Size dialogue box. Use the Dropdown boxes to display the image size in pixels.
• Make sure the "Constrain Proportions" box is checkmarked.
• Type in a new value for the image width in pixels. For most Blackboard uses, this value should not be more than 450 pixels. Note that as you type in a new width value, the height value changes in proportion to the width value.
• Click on "OK". The image is now resized. If you are still viewing "Actual Pixels" the size of the image on your display is the size it will be displayed in Blackboard (on your computer). If the image is still to large, repeat the steps to lower the image size value.
  
• To adjust the contrast and brightness of the image click on Image / Adjust / Brightness Contrast. This will display the Brightness Contrast dialogue box. Adjust the slider levels for brightness and contrast. Click on "OK" when finished.
  
• When finished sizing and adjusting the image file, click on File / Save As. Select the JPG file type from the dropdown box and save the file to your computer. Note. If JPG is not listed as a file type you may have to change the Image Mode to RGB Color. To do this click on Image / Mode / RGB Color.

If you have any questions or comments regarding this Step-By-Step procedure contact the Tufts Blackboard Administrator at: nhirsig@tufts.edu