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Quick Start Guide ​

Get started with Auto Featured Image in just 5 minutes. This guide will help you install, configure, and generate your first featured image.

Installation ​

Step 1: Install the Plugin ​

  1. Log in to your WordPress admin dashboard
  2. Navigate to Plugins > Add New
  3. Search for "Auto Featured Image"
  4. Click Install Now on the Auto Featured Image plugin
  5. Click Activate once installation is complete

Alternative Method: You can also download the plugin from WordPress.org and upload it via Plugins > Add New > Upload Plugin.

Basic Settings Overview ​

Step 2: Access Plugin Settings ​

  1. Go to Auto Featured Image in the left sidebar of your WordPress dashboard
  2. Click the SETTINGS tab — you'll see three sub-tabs: General, Image Settings, and External APIs

Step 3: Configure Essential Settings ​

Select Post Types ​

  • Check the post types where you want auto-generated featured images
  • Most users start with Posts enabled
  • You can add Pages, Custom Post Types later

Choose Generation Method ​

Select how you want featured images to be created from the Generation method dropdown:

  • Find in post - Searches for the first image in the post text
  • Generate from title - Creates from the title on a colored background
  • Find or generate - Finds an image in the post text; if not present, generates it from the title
  • Find or use default image - Finds an image in the post text; if not present, uses the default image

Enable Auto-Generation ​

  • Toggle on Add featured image when saving a post to enable automatic generation
  • This will automatically add a featured image whenever you save (publish or update) a post

Step 4: Save Settings ​

Click SAVE SETTINGS at the bottom of the page, or click the SAVE button in the top-right corner.

Method 1: Create a New Post ​

  1. Go to Posts > Add New
  2. Add your content and include at least one image in the post body
  3. Click Publish
  4. Check the featured image section - it should now display your first image

Method 2: Update an Existing Post ​

  1. Go to Posts > All Posts
  2. Edit a post that has images but no featured image
  3. Click Update
  4. Verify the featured image was set automatically

Verify It's Working ​

Check Individual Posts ​

  1. Open any post that should have an auto-generated featured image
  2. Look at the Featured Image section in the right sidebar
  3. You should see an image displayed

View on Your Site ​

  1. Visit your blog homepage or the published post
  2. Check if the featured image displays correctly in your theme
  3. Images should appear in post listings and single post views

Quick Troubleshooting ​

✓ Check these items:

  • [ ] Plugin is activated
  • [ ] Post type is selected in settings
  • [ ] Auto-generation is enabled
  • [ ] Post contains at least one image (if using "First Image" method)
  • [ ] You clicked Publish or Update after enabling the plugin

Still Having Issues? ​

  • Check your theme supports featured images
  • Verify image formats are supported (JPG, PNG, GIF, WebP)

What's Next? ​

Now that you have basic setup working, explore these features:

  • Bulk Generate - Process all existing posts at once
  • Custom Settings - Fine-tune image selection and generation
  • Title-Based Images - Create custom text overlays
  • Stock Images - Integrate external image sources