Description of the need
This came from reading several other issues about various problems with image uploads, and realizing that we do not have a dedicated form API element for images. We currently have only file and file_managed.
Images usually need different validation criteria than generic files, including * image type validation * image dimension validation
In most places in core, these are added manually to every file upload field used only for images. A new image form API element would make it easier for core developers change all image API elements at once. For example, adding a file type validation that used a site-wide set of allowed image types:
* https://github.com/backdrop/backdrop-issues/issues/4937 and
* https://github.com/backdrop/backdrop-issues/issues/4998
There are also other image-only upload locations in core, such as the site logo and favicon (and there may be others).
Proposed solution
Add a new image form api element, that is identical to file but with additional validators.
Alternatives that have been considered
Helper functions that could be used to determine a default set of allowed file types, based on the operating system and modules.
Draft of feature description for Press Release (1 paragraph at most)
Backdrop now includes a new form API element specifically for images, that will natively support all image types supported by your system.
Recent comments
You can edit images and load them back to the same folder with the same name and extension, this will not create a problem. Replace directly in the file system, without the use of CMS, for CMS...
Image manipulation on server?
I was under the impression you could not do that - don't know where I got that idea from... thought it had to do with the way Backdrop manages image files.
Image manipulation on server?
I think given the warning on the source site: At this time, if your new project can afford to require PHP 5.5+, which it should, please use PHP's native password_hash() /...
July 31, 2025