Set an image focal point

A focal point marks the most important part of an image, such as a face or a product. When an image is cropped to fit a space, Contensis keeps the focal point in view instead of cropping from the centre.

You can set a focal point while you upload an image, or later from the asset editor. Entries that use the image can then crop around the same focal point, so you set it once instead of cropping the image by hand in each entry.

You can set a focal point on any image asset that the Image API can process. You can't set one on an SVG, because SVGs are vector images and aren't cropped by the Image API, so the focal point controls don't appear.

You can set a focal point for each image as you upload it. This works the same way whether you upload from the Assets screen or from an asset field in an entry.

1. Upload your images. See Upload assets to Contensis.
2. In the properties view, select Set focal point above the image preview.
3. Select the most important part of the image, then drag the marker to adjust it if you need to. The focal point is saved alongside other image metadata that you have set.
4. If you uploaded more than one image, use Previous and Next to move to the next image and repeat.
5. Select the insert button to save, for example Insert 6 assets.

1. Select Assets from the project sidebar.
2. To open the asset editor, select the image or choose Open from the actions menu on the asset card.
3. Select Set focal point above the image preview.
4. Select the most important part of the image. The pointer shows as a crosshair while you place the focal point.
5. To adjust it, drag the marker to a new position. You can also move it with the keyboard. See Move a focal point with the keyboard.
6. Select the insert button to save, for example Insert 6 assets.

The position is shown below the image while you work, for example Focal point: 32% from left, 60% from top.

If the image already has a focal point, the button above the preview reads Show focal point. Select it to see and change the focal point.

Select Set focal point or Show focal point. Focus moves to the focal point, and you can then use these keys:

The focal point is saved when you stop pressing keys for a second, or when you move focus away from it. Screen readers announce the position as a percentage from the left and from the top.

1. Open the image in the asset editor, and select Show focal point.
2. Select Clear focal point below the image.

The image no longer has a focal point, and the change is saved straight away. No focal point set appears below the image.

To set a new one, select anywhere on the image.

When an image field or a Canvas image has size restrictions that need a crop, Contensis crops around the focal point automatically. You don't need to open the image editor.

If you open the image editor and change the crop yourself, your crop is used instead of the focal point. To go back to the automatic crop, select Reset in the image editor.

For more on how assets fit into your project, see Digital asset management.