Post thumbnails and featured images are the same thing within WordPress. A handful of themes for photographers, churches, restaurants and other type of websites use a type of built-in support for featured images. When you use this type of image with each post, it can create a better visitor experience.

<h2>Where do you Find the Featured Images Section in WordPress?</h2>

Within each post you create, you will see a section that allows you to set the featured image. This section is found on the right side of the edit screen below the tags. 

<img src="https://itxdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/FeaturedImageSection.png" alt="Featured Image Section" width="292" height="280" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-6674" />

This section is quite easy to locate and once you've found it, you can move onto the next step.

<h2>How to Add a Featured Image to Your WordPress Post</h2>

Adding a featured image is very easy. Simply click the "Set Featured Image" link found within the Featured Image menu. 

<img src="https://itxdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/SetFeaturedImage.png" alt="Set Featured Image" width="284" height="112" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-6675" />

This will bring up the "Set Feature Image" section with the option to upload a new image file or choose one from your media library. Find the right image and select it. 

<img src="https://itxdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/FeaturedImageInWordPress.png" alt="Featured Image In WordPress" width="555" height="263" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-6676" />

You will be able to add a title, the ALT tag, caption and description to this image, if necessary. Once you're finished editing the details click the "Set Featured Image" button and the image will show up in the meta box within your post. 

<img src="https://itxdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/FeaturedImageInMetaBox.png" alt="Featured Image In Meta Box" width="292" height="379" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-6677" />

If you need to remove the image, just click the "Remove featured image" link. 

<h2>What if Your Theme Doesn't Support Featured Images?</h2>

If you happen to be using a theme that doesn't support featured images or post thumbnails, you may have to add this with code. However, as a beginner, it may be better just to find a new theme, unless you have coding knowledge.

Most WordPress themes support featured images and if this is an important part of your website, you will want to make sure this option is available with the theme you choose. 

Now you know how to add a featured image or post thumbnail to your post. Use this feature however you would like and give your visitors a better overall experience.
