Design & Visuals

Consult these guidelines for adding visuals (images, slideshows, etc.) to your ePortfolio, regardless of the platform you are using, i.e., Weebly, Google, Wix, etc.

1. Follow appropriate attribution guidelines for each use. For example, subscription services may require different information than an individual who has given you permission. And just because you've paid for a subscription, don't assume that attribution isn't necessary: read the site's terms to find out what kind of written credit is required. For most other graphics, follow a standard citation style, including source notes appearing directly under the graphic (or video) or at the bottom of the page.

2. Choose appropriate visuals. Use images that represent the subject and appropriate level of formality you want to convey.

3. Select the best size and place the visual in the appropriate spot on your page. The visual should not overwhelm the page but should complement the message. Wrapping your text around the image can enhance the balance between image and text so the there is not awkward amounts of white space on the page.

4. Add captions. When you want the image to communicate a particular message, i.e., when the purpose of the image isn't obvious, use a clear, precise caption that communicates the "takeaway" you want the reader to know by looking at the graphic. For example,

   • not "The Bush School"

   • but "Earned a Master of International Affairs degree while attending the Bush School"

Copying and Pasting from Word

Occasionally you may find copying and pasting from a Word document easier than developing your site pages in Google. However, you should know that the code in Word will affect the page appearance on the site. You can see all of the code when you view the HTML (see toolbar).

One way to eliminate some, if not most, of the extra coding is to copy and paste the text from Word into a RichText format (TextEdit for Macs and Notepad for PCs). Save as "Plain Text," which will eliminate the formatting, then copy and paste this text into the page on your site. Of course, you will need to redo the formatting, but the text will be there (and without the extra code that would prevent you from formatting the text as you like). However, tables and other graphics won't copy into your site from Word. You must re-create them on your site page.