Images can improve the design and the appearance of a web page. Show HTML Images SyntaxThe HTML <img> tag is used to embed an image in a web page. Images are not technically inserted into a web page; images are linked to web pages. The <img> tag creates a holding space for the referenced image. The <img> tag is empty, it contains attributes only, and does not have a closing tag. The <img> tag has two required attributes:
Syntax<img src="url" alt="alternatetext"> The src AttributeThe required src attribute specifies the path (URL) to the image. Note: When a web page loads, it is the browser, at that moment, that gets the image from a web server and inserts it into the page. Therefore, make sure that the image actually stays in the same spot in relation to the web page, otherwise your visitors will get a broken link icon. The broken link icon and the alt text are shown if the browser cannot find the image. The alt AttributeThe required alt attribute provides an alternate text for an image, if the user for some reason cannot view it (because of slow connection, an error in the src attribute, or if the user uses a screen reader). The value of the alt attribute should describe the image: If a browser cannot find an image, it will display the value of the alt attribute: Tip: A screen reader is a software program that reads the HTML code, and allows the user to "listen" to the content. Screen readers are useful for people who are visually impaired or learning disabled. Image Size - Width and HeightYou can use the style attribute to specify the width and height of an image. Example<img src="img_girl.jpg" alt="Girl in a jacket" style="width:500px;height:600px;"> Try it Yourself » Alternatively, you can use the width and height attributes: Example<img src="img_girl.jpg" alt="Girl in a jacket" width="500" height="600"> Try it Yourself » The width and height attributes always define the width and height of the image in pixels. Note: Always specify the width and height of an image. If width and height are not specified, the web page might flicker while the image loads. Width and Height, or Style?The width, height, and style attributes are all valid in HTML. However, we suggest using the style attribute. It prevents styles sheets from changing the size of images: Example<!DOCTYPE html> <img src="html5.gif" alt="HTML5 Icon" width="128" height="128"> <img src="html5.gif" alt="HTML5 Icon" style="width:128px;height:128px;"> </body> Try it Yourself » Images in Another FolderIf you have your images in a sub-folder, you must include the folder name in the src attribute: Example<img src="/images/html5.gif" alt="HTML5 Icon" style="width:128px;height:128px;"> Try it Yourself » Images on Another Server/WebsiteSome web sites point to an image on another server. To point to an image on another server, you must specify an absolute (full) URL in the src attribute: Example<img src="https://www.w3schools.com/images/w3schools_green.jpg" alt="W3Schools.com"> Try it Yourself » Notes on external images: External images might be under copyright. If you do not get permission to use it, you may be in violation of copyright laws. In addition, you cannot control external images; they can suddenly be removed or changed. Animated ImagesHTML allows animated GIFs: Example<img src="programming.gif" alt="Computer Man" style="width:48px;height:48px;"> Try it Yourself » Image as a LinkTo use an image as a link, put the <img> tag inside the <a> tag: Example<a href="default.asp"> Try it Yourself » Image FloatingUse the CSS float property to let the image float to the right or to the left of a text: Example<p><img src="smiley.gif" alt="Smiley face" style="float:right;width:42px;height:42px;"> <p><img src="smiley.gif" alt="Smiley face"
style="float:left;width:42px;height:42px;"> Try it Yourself » Common Image FormatsHere are the most common image file types, which are supported in all browsers (Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Safari, Opera):
Chapter Summary
Note: Loading large images takes time, and can slow down your web page. Use images carefully. HTML ExercisesHTML Image Tags
For a complete list of all available HTML tags, visit our HTML Tag Reference. |