FAQ: Avatars

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RubiconCSL
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FAQ: Avatars

Post by RubiconCSL »

We keep getting asked how to add your own Avatar.

First, what is an Avatar?
It's real meaning and origin is from Hinduism : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avatar

Right, that's the educational bit out of the way!

Nowadays, it refers to an image that is usually quite small (on here, up to 100x100 pixels). They are commonly used in Bulletin Boards (such as this) and appear under your login name in the forums, so you can personalise your account.


How do you get one
The simplest way is to find an avatar already made up that you can legally use. One good site with loads of free avatars already made to 100x100 pixels is http://www.avatarity.com/. Failing that, either hunt around the web for a picture you like - or use one of your own.

Then, you need to find a home for it on the web somewhere, so you can reference it. At this point, it is a good idea to resize it (if needed), so it loads faster. If it is too big, then it will take more time to display any topics you've replied to, as the picture has to be downloaded with the page being displayed. If it is big, the you ruin the experience for everyone reading that page, especially if they don't have broadband speeds.


Where to host the image?
So, find a website that offers free image hosting. A lot of people on here use http://www.imageshack.us/.

Enter the url of the file you want to use, or upload it from your PC if it's one of your own. Where it says "resize image?", check the box and choose "100x75 Avatar". Then click the "Host It" button. The image will be uploaded to their site and resized to a correct size for an Avatar.

When it is uploaded and resized, the page refeshes. Choose the last option at the foot of the page where it says "Direct link to image". Copy the link.

In your profile, scroll down the the Avatar section and paste the image link into where it says "Link to off-site Avatar".

Save your profile and hey-presto :)
Like many, trust few and always paddle you own canoe.
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