# Media

Import images and videos, reuse them in publications and manage their files.

URL: /docs/media

The **Media** library holds the files for your current project. You can import a
file there before writing, or add it while preparing a publication. Each asset
has one library entry, even when Postdot creates several previews for it.

## Add a file to a publication [#add-a-file-to-a-publication]

You need permission to edit the project. Keep the same project selected when
importing a file and preparing the publication that will use it.

### Import your file [#import-your-file]

Open **Media**, choose **Import**, then **Device** to select a file. Studio
checks the import and reports unsupported files or files above the configured
size limit.

For images, you can also choose **URL** to import from a direct image address,
or **Webcam** to take a photo when your browser and device support it.
### Select it in the editor [#select-it-in-the-editor]

Open **New publication** and use the media picker to select a file from the project
library. You can also import a new file from the picker. Confirm with **Done**.

Choose the destination and review its content. Networks have different media
requirements; a file accepted into the library may still be unsuitable for a
particular destination.
### Review and save [#review-and-save]

Check the destination preview and any validation messages before saving the draft
or scheduling it. Add **Accessibility text** where the editor offers it to describe
the media for people who cannot see it.

Importing a file does not schedule or publish it. You can reuse a library file in
other drafts without uploading it again.

## Previews and original files [#previews-and-original-files]

Postdot creates smaller image previews and a compact loading placeholder for
browsing. Video posters are generated in the background when the preview processor
is available. Until a poster is ready, Studio can show a placeholder.

| What you see                      | What it is for                                      |
| --------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------- |
| Image thumbnail or larger preview | Browsing the library and displaying media in Studio |
| Video poster                      | Showing a still image before playback               |
| Original file                     | The media source used for publication               |

You do not manage previews as separate library entries. Postdot keeps them linked
to their asset and includes them in its deletion lifecycle. It does not substitute
a thumbnail for the original sent to a provider.

<Callout title="Prepare videos before importing" type="info">
    Video support currently targets H.264 MP4 files that are ready to publish. Postdot does not
    transcode them into another format. Check the destination's requirements as well as the
    installation's upload limit.
</Callout>

## Inspect or remove a file [#inspect-or-remove-a-file]

Use a file's **Information** action to inspect its details and usage. **Download**
retrieves the original file.

Postdot checks usage before allowing deletion. Files referenced by content,
publication history or audit records cannot be deleted. Removing an attachment
from one draft does not necessarily remove all references to the file.

<Callout title="Check the deletion confirmation" type="warn">
    The installation's retention setting determines whether a deleted file stays in the trash for a
    recovery period or is permanently deleted with no option to restore. The confirmation shows
    which applies. Restore a file from the trash before that period ends if you need to recover it.
</Callout>

Continue with [posts and destinations](/docs/concepts/) to understand how source
media and destination adaptations fit together, or follow
[your first publication](/docs/first-publication/) to prepare a draft.