Overview
Inspect the information WordPress stores for attachments, review missing alternative text and maintain optional internal image credits.
This guide explains how to install WPSDDC Advanced Media, set up its options and use it in your everyday WordPress workflow.
Requirements and Compatibility
- WordPress 6.0 or later.
- PHP 8.1 or later.
- An account with permission to install and activate plugins. Site settings require administrator permissions.
It works independently: WP StudioDDC HQ and other collection plugins are not required to register its administration screen.
Installation
- Obtain the installable WPSDDC Advanced Media ZIP package and keep a current site backup before installation.
- In the dashboard, open Plugins → Add New Plugin → Upload Plugin.
- Select the ZIP file, choose Install Now and then Activate Plugin.
- Open WPSDDC → Advanced Media to access its controls and usage information.
For manual installation, copy the wpsddc-advanced-media folder into wp-content/plugins/ and activate the plugin from Plugins. The package entry file is wpsddc-advanced-media.php.
Configuration and Options
Open WPSDDC → Advanced Media, review the options below and save the features you intend to use. These are initial values; previously saved settings can differ.
| Setting | Initial Value | Options |
|---|---|---|
| Show Metadata in the Media List | Enabled | Enable or disable |
| Show Stored Metadata in Attachment Details | Enabled | Enable or disable |
| Enable Editable Attachment Credits | Disabled | Enable or disable |
How to Use the Plugin
- Open WPSDDC → Advanced Media and keep the metadata list and attachment-detail options enabled if you want both views.
- Go to Media → Library and select List view. Use the alternative-text filter to find images with an empty alt field.
- Open an attachment and expand its stored metadata panel. Review the fields that WordPress has recorded for that file.
- To keep internal attribution records, enable editable credits and save the settings. Enter creator credit, rights notice and an HTTP or HTTPS source URL in the attachment.
- Save the attachment and reopen it to confirm the values. Review an empty ALT in the context where the image is used: decorative images can correctly have empty alternative text.
Practical Example
To audit a new article, filter the Media Library for empty alternative text, inspect its content images, and edit the native ALT field where an informative description is needed. Keep credit records separate from that description.
Data and Operating Limits
The plugin reads an allowlist of stored Core metadata and saves entered credits. It does not scan raw files for extra EXIF, XMP or GPS data or infer missing information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a stored credit grant permission to use an image?
No. It is an administrative reference. Check the license or permission separately; saving a credit does not change ownership or add visible attribution to your theme.
Where can I find the included help?
Open WPSDDC → Advanced Media and expand the native Help tab at the top of the screen. Its sections explain getting started, data and limits, and version details and support links.
Troubleshooting
If dimensions, file size or camera fields are absent, check whether WordPress stored them for that attachment. The plugin displays existing metadata; it does not rescan the original file or invent missing values.
Updates and Deactivation
- Back up the database and files before updating.
- When WordPress offers an update in Plugins, use its native update action. To update by ZIP, upload the new package and choose to replace the installed version when WordPress prompts you.
- Review the changes included with the package, keep the settings you need and check a typical workflow after updating.
To stop the feature, deactivate the plugin from Plugins. Deactivation does not delete WordPress content and does not replace a backup.
Support and Related Links
For support, include the WordPress, PHP and plugin versions, the relevant setting and the steps needed to reproduce the issue. Share only the information needed to describe it.