Mass Effect Wiki:Files Guideline

General Guidelines

 * Because everyone's Shepard is different, we don't use pictures with Shepard in.
 * For preference, please turn the film grain setting off as it results in a very low-grade image.
 * When taking shots with the flying camera, don't forget that ground level sometimes gives the most dramatic view, as that's how the game is designed to be viewed.

Character-Specific Guidelines

 * In general, limit a picture of a character to their upper body rather than a full head-to-toe shot, as it takes up too much space (especially for shorter articles).
 * Character shots should preferably be taken while in conversation with them or during a cutscene, to ensure they have some animation to their eyes (otherwise they look a bit spooky) and to ensure the camera's in the right place.
 * Ensure there's full level of detail on the character (avoiding texture pop issues).
 * Shots should give a clear view of the character's face. Any squad pics should be with their helmet off.
 * Examples of good character shots include: Juliana Baynham, Hana Murakami, and Garrus Vakarian.

Personal Images
The Mass Effect Wiki does allow users to upload images to the site for their personal use.

They are subject to the following regulations:
 * 1) Users are permitted to upload ten (10) personal images for their personal use.
 * 2) Images uploaded for personal use that are not related to Mass Effect must be tagged as such, either when they are uploaded or after the fact.
 * 3) If an image that is related to Mass Effect is used on a user page, but will not meet the guidelines for it being placed into an article, examples of this include personal Shepards, then it counts against that user's limit. If the image would be permitted in an article, then it does not count against that limit.
 * 4) Images that a user uploaded for their personal use can be used anywhere in their personal user space.
 * 5) If a user goes over the ten image limit, they will be informed of such and will have to choose the image(s) they want to keep. Users will have 48 hours to tag the amount of images they are over for deletion, or request they be deleted. If no response is heard in that time, then the most recent image(s) will be deleted.
 * 6) If a user has an image in their signature, then it counts against that limit.
 * 7) Personal images are still subject to current rules about inappropriate images.

The Mass Effect Wiki would also like to remind users that at the same time we are not an image repository and if you plan to upload a number of images, then it might be better to link them from an image-hosting website and embed them in your user space.

If images are not tagged for personal use when they are uploaded, they will more than likely be put up for deletion and eventually deleted if they are not used or they are missed being placed in a user space. Please make sure to add in the "Summary" line that it is for personal use so this does not happen.

Uploading Images
If a page requires a picture, use the PicturesWanted template at the top of the page.

You can upload images here. Don't forget to add a quick summary of the image content to make it easier to find later. Even better, add the image page itself to any appropriate categories (by adding links like, for example, ).

Filenames
When uploading images, make sure to use a very specific filename. Uploading an image with the name "Saren.jpg" or "Armor.png" is problematic; there are dozens of pictures of Saren. Not only do vague filenames run the risk of having your picture overwritten when someone else uploads a "Saren.jpg", it also makes it much harder to find the image you need.


 * Example: instead of Garrus.jpg, use Garrus C-Sec Talking to Wrex.jpg, or whatever the image shows.

Displaying images
Most screenshots on MEWiki are displayed at 290px, but this is dependent on dimensions. If a page actively needs a caption displayed underneath (e.g. to explain the context of the image), use a thumbnail.

Images smaller than 200px, like the talent icons, should not be thumbnailed as they are too small to make the caption worthwhile.

Videos
Due to cannon concerns, copyrights, and quality, uploading and using videos on articles are not allowed. The exception to this rule is official trailers that should be approve by the admins prior to uploading or linking from articles.

However, videos on Userspace including blog posts and blog comments is permitted but should be linked, or embedded from an outside source and not uploaded to the wiki.