The Sitecore Media Library stores all media files used on your website. This includes images, PDFs, and other documents.
When you add a media item to a page or component, Sitecore creates a link to that item. This means that if you replace a media file - such as uploading a new version of a PDF or image - Sitecore automatically updates it everywhere it is used on the site. You do not need to update each instance manually.
What you can do in the Media Library
- Upload images
- Upload document files
- Replace existing files
- View and edit document file properties
- Create folders
and organize files - Search for files or browse the folder structure
- Delete images and document files
The Media Library is comprised of three areas:
Ribbon
The Ribbon provides tools for managing files and folders. The Home tab includes:
- Edit - Checks out or checks in the selected item.
- Upload File - Uploads a new file or replaces an existing one.
- Media Folder - Creates a new folder.
- Duplicate - Creates a copy of the selected item.
- Copy To - Copies the selected item to another folder. The copy keeps the original links.
- Move To - Moves the selected item to a new folder. The item keeps its existing links.
- Delete - Removes the selected item and its sub-items. You must publish the parent folder to complete the deletion. Pages that link to the deleted item will show a broken link until updated.
- Rename - Changes the item name and updates the URL. Existing links continue to work.
- Arrow Keys - Moves content items up and down within their folders and reorders them if needed. This does not change the item’s location or URL.
Content Tree
The Content Tree displays folders and sub-folders. Expand folders to browse files or collapse them to simplify the view.
Search note: Search works best when you enter the exact file name. Use unique names so your items are easy to find. Broad terms (such as an agency name) may return hundreds of results.
Content Area
The Content Area displays the files and folders within the selected location. You can upload images and document files or create new folders from this area.
Organizing files
You can keep all files in a single folder or organize them into multiple folders. Using folders helps keep the Media Library structured and easier to navigate.
Folder names become part of the media item’s URL. Sitecore automatically formats names for the URL, including converting spaces to hyphens and lowercasing the name. Avoid special characters that Sitecore does not support.
Create a new folder
Use this method when you want to organize documents into subfolders in the Media Library.
Steps
1. Select the parent folder
Choose the folder where you want the new folder to live.
2. Insert a new media folder
Right‑click the parent folder and select Insert, then Media Folder.
Screenshot showing the right‑click menu with the “Insert” option selected for creating a new media folder.
3. Name the folder
Enter a concise folder name. This name becomes part of the final URL for any documents stored inside it.
4. Save and publish
Select Save in the ribbon (upper left) and publish the folder.
