This guide explains how to manage your digital assets by uploading files to your website. In Umbraco 17+, the file management system is faster and more secure, powered by .NET 10 LTS, ensuring your media library can scale as your content grows.
Files as Media Assets
In Umbraco, files aren't just stored in a folder; they are treated as Media Nodes. This means every PDF, image, or video you upload can have its own metadata, such as descriptions or alt-text, which is essential for SEO and accessibility. Using the uSkinned Site Builder within Umbraco 17+, you can effortlessly link these assets to your pages using the Visual Editor, which provides a real-time preview of how your files will appear to visitors
When to Upload a File
Consider uploading files to your media library or setting up upload fields when you need:
- Document Downloads: Providing user manuals, whitepapers, or brochures in PDF format.
- Visual Headers: Adding high-resolution images for header slideshows or hero banners.
- User Submissions: Allowing visitors to upload resumes or project briefs through a secure Contact Form.
- Media Organization: Centralizing brand assets to ensure they are consistent across hundreds of pages.
Watch: Managing Media in Umbraco 17+
This video walkthrough demonstrates how to use the Media section to bulk upload files, organize them into folders, and insert them directly into your content using the Visual Editor.
Other Related Tutorials
- [Tutorial] How to add or edit a Contact Form
- [Tutorial] How to set up Umbraco Forms
- [Tutorial] How to edit the crop and focus point of an image
- [Tutorial] How to change the quality of an image
Action Steps to Upload Files
- Access the Media Section: Navigate to the Media tab in the Umbraco 17+ backoffice.
- Select a Location: Choose an existing folder or create a new one to keep your library organized.
- Upload: Click the 'Upload' button or simply drag and drop your files from your computer directly into the browser.
- Edit Metadata: Click on the file to add alt-text or descriptions. In Umbraco 17+, you can also adjust the crop and focus points for images to ensure they look perfect on all devices.
- Save and Use: Save your changes. Your file is now ready to be selected from the Visual Editor or linked within your page content.
Pro-Tip: With Umbraco 17's new load-balanced backoffice, multiple editors can upload and manage high-resolution media simultaneously without causing performance bottlenecks on the server.
Where Next?
Now that your media is organized, great work. Now learn how to move your files in the next step "Moving Files".