What are the steps required to attach an image to a new SharePoint item?

To successfully attach an image to a new SharePoint item, the correct process involves creating the item first, followed by adding the attachment. This approach aligns with how SharePoint manages item creation and attachments within its structure.

When you create a new item in a SharePoint list, you're establishing the metadata and the basic information associated with that item. After this foundational step, SharePoint allows you to enhance the item by adding attachments, including images. This two-step process ensures that the item exists within the SharePoint list before any files are linked to it.

Attaching an image before the item is created would not work because SharePoint needs a reference point – namely, the item itself – to associate the attachment with. Therefore, the sequence of creating the item followed by adding the attachment ensures that you properly link additional files to the item you specified.