Bulbagarden Archives

The Bulbagarden Archives, often referred to simply as the Archives, is the official digital repository for images and media files across the Bulbagarden network. Launched on April 10, 2005, by , it was created to centralize Pokémon-related visual resources. As of December 2024, the Archives hosts over 259,753 uploaded files and continues to grow, reflecting the dedication of the Pokémon fan community. To ensure quality, the Archives employs detailed content management systems, including hierarchical categorization, standardized file naming, and metadata documentation.
The Archives has always served as one of the backbones of the Bulbagarden network, hosting screenshots, sprites, official artwork, manga scans, trading card images, and more. Editors can upload files for use in Bulbapedia and Bulbanews articles, ensuring a consistent visual resource across the network. While most files are copyrighted and used under fair use, contributors follow clear guidelines for licensing, categorization, and naming conventions. Originally, the Archives also allowed personal images, but this practice ended in May 2011 to focus exclusively on Pokémon-related content.
==Content==
The Bulbagarden Archives has grown significantly since its inception, driven by the collaborative efforts of the Pokémon fan community. It remains a vital resource, providing high-quality visual content to support Bulbapedia. Its evolution reflects the enduring passion and dedication of its contributors and staff, ensuring its place as a cornerstone of the Bulbagarden network. Its key content includes:
* Official artwork and photos.
* Sprites from various Pokémon games.
* and scans, and photographs.
* Screenshots from the Pokémon animated series.
==Main Page==
The Bulbagarden Archives' Main Page has transformed significantly over the years, evolving alongside the platform's growth:
Main Page evolution	Main Page evolution
Year 	Key developments
2008 	Launch of the initial minimalist layout, focusing on core functionality and introducing users to the platform's fundamental purpose
2011 	Implementation of structured sections including "What's New on the Archives?" and "Uploading Rules" to provide better guidance for contributors
2013 	Enhanced task organization system and improved integration with other Bulbagarden platforms
2024 	Complete redesign featuring a modern, sleek layout with emphasis on community engagement and improved accessibility
===Gallery===
File:Archives 1.png|Bulbagarden Archives in December 2008
File:Archives 2.png|Bulbagarden Archives in January 2011
File:Archives 3.png|Bulbagarden Archives in November 2013
File:Archives 4.png|Bulbagarden Archives in December 2024
==Leadership==
Staff management has evolved from an early sponsorship model to a structured hierarchy. Responsibilities are divided among Junior Administrators, Administrators, and the Leadership Board. An Advisory Council, headed by the Archives Director, oversees executive decisions and policy-making. Notable leaders include:
Archives Leadership timeline	Archives Leadership timeline	Archives Leadership timeline
Tenure 	Position & Leader 	Key contributions
2009–January 2011 	Editor-in-Chief: 	Established early policies and organizational structure as inaugural Editor-in-Chief
January–June 2011 	Archives Director: 	Introduced new processes during brief directorship
August–December 2011 	Joint Archives Directors: & 	Served as temporary joint leadership during transition period
December 2011–2024 	Archives Liaison: 	Oversaw significant growth, established the Advisory Council, modernized operations
January 2024–present 	Editor-in-Chief: 	Current leadership role
===Gallery===
File:Archives Staff 1.png|Early sponsorship-based staff list (2009)
File:Archives Staff 2.png|Current hierarchy (2024)
Category:Bulbagarden
Category:Wikis