Getting Started – Pretty Plugins

Learn how to use OpenImage with this step-by-step tutorial.

Your first photo, without leaving WordPress.

Find a photograph, preview it, and add it to your page in a few simple steps. This guide shows OpenImage in the WordPress block editor.

1. Install and activate OpenImage

If you have the plugin ZIP, a WordPress administrator can go to Plugins → Add Plugin → Upload Plugin, choose the ZIP, and select Install Now, then Activate Plugin.

Updating an existing installation? Upload the new ZIP and use WordPress’s replacement option when prompted. Complete the Unsplash connection in the plugin settings before you start searching.

2. Search for a photo

Open a post or page in the WordPress block editor. Click OpenImage in the top toolbar, as highlighted below.

An open WordPress page before a photo is added, with a red circle and arrow highlighting the OpenImage button in the top-left editor toolbar. Identifying details are blurred. — Start here: click the circled OpenImage button in the editor’s top toolbar to open photo search.

In the search window that opens, enter a subject such as dog, and click Search.

Use the orientation menu to choose Landscape, Portrait, or Square, or leave it on Any orientation. Use Load more to browse additional results.

OpenImage search window showing the term dog, the Landscape orientation filter, and a grid of dog photographs. — The arrow marks the search field. Circles highlight orientation, Search, and Load more. Photographer credits appear below each thumbnail.

3. Preview a photo

Click a thumbnail to see a larger preview. Check the full composition and the photographer’s credit before adding the photo.

Choose Back to results to keep browsing, or select Insert into post to add the photo to your content.

Large preview of a puppy photographed by Joe Caione, with Back to results, Insert into post, and Set as featured image controls. — Circles highlight Back to results, Insert into post, and Set as featured image. Photo by Joe Caione on Unsplash.

Want a featured image?

Choose Set as featured image instead. This sets the post or page’s featured image rather than inserting an Image block. The option appears when featured images are supported by your theme and content type.

4. Insert and adjust a photo

The photo appears as a WordPress Image block with its available alt text and linked photographer and Unsplash credits. OpenImage credits appear below the image, aligned right in smaller text; your theme may affect their appearance.

Use WordPress’s block controls to adjust alignment and the display options available for your image. Save your draft or update your page when you are ready.

WordPress editor showing an inserted puppy photo, its linked Joe Caione and Unsplash credit beneath the image, and the OpenImage replacement control in the image toolbar. — Callouts highlight the OpenImage toolbar buttons and the linked photo credit beneath the Image block.

5. Review alt text and credits

Select the image and open WordPress’s Block settings. Find the Alternative text field and review the description OpenImage supplied. Edit it to explain what the photo contributes to your page.

For example, “A small white dog running through grass” may be clearer than a description of camera technique. If an image is purely decorative, use WordPress’s decorative-image setting where available.

Keep the linked photographer and Unsplash credits. Featured-image credit placement depends on your theme, so check the public page after publishing.

Replace an image

Click the photo in your content, then choose OpenImage from the Image block’s toolbar. Search for another photo or continue browsing the previous results. Preview your choice and select Replace selected image.

OpenImage updates the photo, alt text, and credits while preserving the block’s layout and styling.

OpenImage preview of a dog photographed by Victor G, showing the Replace selected image button. — Use the circled Replace selected image button to update the selected Image block. Photo by Victor G on Unsplash.

Your search stays with you

While you remain in the same editor tab, reopening OpenImage restores your search term, orientation, loaded results, and place in the list. Reloading or leaving the editor clears this temporary search memory.

Search from the Media Library

You can also open Media → OpenImage in the WordPress dashboard. Enter a subject, choose an orientation if needed, and click Search photos. Choose Add to Media Library beneath a photo to make it available when selecting an image in WordPress.

OpenImage backend search with red callouts around the Media OpenImage menu, search field, Search photos button, and Add to Media Library button. Site and account details are blurred. — OpenImage in the WordPress dashboard. The circles and arrow highlight the main controls; identifying account details are blurred.

Need a hand?

Email support@openimageapp.com with your WordPress and OpenImage versions, a short description, and steps to reproduce the issue.

OpenImage for WordPress · Photography credits are preserved in the screenshots.