This guide requires a user with Restricted Editor role or higher and they must be the owner of the image. If you don't have access to the media section or have not uploaded the image yourself, you will not be able to make the necessary changes.

Please Note:
"Background Images" do not support focal point settings.


Focal Point allows the user to select where the most important subject is located in an image so that the automatic cropping done by Drupal includes it in the image.


To ensure consistency across the site, Drupal will display images uploaded by users at specific sizes, regardless of the original size provided. This will allow the user to upload any image — and not worry about cropping and sizing. This automation covers most cases, but some exceptions could benefit from some guidelines and adjustments.


When to Change the Focal Point

This process is recommended for any image that, after uploading to Drupal, has been cropped so that the subject is incomplete.


Most cases that will benefit from this are photographs of subjects in portrait mode that were cropped to landscape and had their subject's face cut in half. Nonetheless, this can also affect landscape photos that have the subject off to the side or even abstract images that simply had a more interesting look in a specific area of the image.


How to Change the Focal Point

To change the focal point of an image, first make sure you're logged in and have already uploaded the image.

  1. From the Drupal navigation bar, go to Manage > Content > Media. You will see the images uploaded to Drupal.
  2. Use the filters on the top of the screen to find the image you want to modify.
  3. Click the Name of the image to open it up
  4. Use the image to identify what you would like the new focal point to be and click on it.
  5. The cross will immediately move to where you clicked and you can readjust as needed.
  6. Use the Preview button to open up all the different crop sizes and confirm it worked to your satisfaction
  7. Click Save at the bottom of the screen and you're all done!


Image Guidelines

Although changing the focal point will help in most situations, images that are too small or don't have sufficient space around their subjects will still result in unwanted or less than ideal cropping. For these cases we recommend images that have the following characteristics:

  • Generally speaking, landscape images work best
  • Choose images with plenty of space around your subject
  • Use images with a large side of at least 1200px


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How to change the focal point of an image