How to Add a Background Image in WordPress: A Complete Guide

WordPress is a popular content management system (CMS) that offers intuitive and powerful features to design an engaging website. One of its features is adding custom background images to make the website more appealing. In this article, we will cover five easy methods to add a background image in WordPress and provide best practices for using WordPress background images.

What Is a WordPress Background Image?

A WordPress background image is a visual element that typically takes up the entire section or page of your website. It helps engage visitors and draw their attention to the web page.

1. How to Add a Background Image Using the WordPress Theme Customizer

The WordPress Theme Customizer is a built-in feature that lets you add a custom background image, create menus, and change color schemes. However, this feature is only available for classic free WordPress themes, such as Twenty Twenty, Twenty Fifteen, and Twenty Seventeen. Follow these steps to add a background image using the WordPress Theme Customizer:

Log in to your WordPress admin page and navigate to Appearance → Customize.
In the Theme Customizer screen, navigate to the Background Image option.
Click the Select image button to open the Media Library.
In the Media Library screen, pick a picture or add a new image and click Choose image.
Use the image customization options to adjust the background position, preset, and size.
Save the changes.

2. How to Add Background Images With the Cover Block

You can also add a background image via the default WordPress editor, also known as Gutenberg. Follow these steps to insert an image background using the Cover block:

From the WordPress dashboard, navigate to Pages → All Pages. Open a page by clicking on the title.
Open the Block Inserter button and add the Cover block.
To make a full-width background image, select the Cover block and choose Align → Full Width.
Insert elements you want on your page.
Group the block patterns with the Cover block.
Select the Cover block and click Add Media. Then, choose Open Media Library.
In the WordPress Media Library screen, choose your preferred image. Add alt text to your image for better accessibility. Then, click Select.
Open the block settings panel to customize the Cover block.
Save the changes.

3. How to Add Background Images With the Group Block

Another method to add a background image in the WordPress site editor is by using the Group block. Follow these steps to insert an image background using the Group block:

Navigate to Pages → All Pages and open a page you want to edit in the block editor.
Open the Block Inserter button and add the Group block.
Open the Styles tab and find the Background section.
Click on the Background image button and choose either Open Media Library to select an image from your WordPress Media Library or Upload to upload a new image from your computer.
The Group block now should have the background image you’ve selected. Continue editing the content by adding more blocks inside the Group block.

4. How to Add a Custom Background Image Using a Page Builder

Another easy way to add custom backgrounds is by using a WordPress page builder. Follow these steps to set a background image with a page builder:

Create a new page using the page builder’s editor.
Go to the editor’s left sidebar and select the gear icon to open Global Settings.
Expand the Background section and upload your background image.
Configure the background image’s position and style using the settings on the left sidebar.
Save or publish the page.

5. How to Add a WordPress Background Image With CSS

You can embed an image as a background using custom Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) code. Follow these steps to add a background image using Additional CSS:

From the WordPress dashboard, navigate to Appearance → Customize.
In the Theme Customizer screen, click Additional CSS.
Type the CSS code for the background image.
If the image doesn’t suit your preferences, add additional CSS code for background attachment and size.
Save the changes.

Best Practices for Using WordPress Background Images

When customizing your WordPress site using a background image, implement the following best practices:

Optimize images by compressing them using a WordPress plugin.
Set the image size properly, considering different device screens.
Use legal or royalty-free images to avoid copyright violations.

Conclusion

Adding a WordPress background image is easy with the various methods provided by the platform. Remember to optimize the images, choose the right image size, and use royalty-free images. We hope this guide has helped you understand how to design your website by adding background images. Good luck!

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