HTML Images

Images can improve the design and the appearance of a web page.

The HTML 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 tag creates a holding space for the referenced image.

The tag is empty, it contains attributes only, and does not have a closing tag.

The tag has two required attributes:

The 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 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.

You can use the style attribute to specify the width and height of an image.

Alternatively, you can use the width and height attributes:

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.

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:

If you have your images in a sub-folder, you must include the folder name in the src attribute:

Some 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:

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.

HTML allows animated GIFs:

To use an image as a link, put the tag inside the tag:

Use the CSS float property to let the image float to the right or to the left of a text:

The image will float to the right of the text.

The image will float to the left of the text.

Tip: To learn more about CSS Float, read our CSS Float Tutorial.

Here are the most common image file types, which are supported in all browsers (Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Safari, Opera):

Note: Loading large images takes time, and can slow down your web page. Use images carefully.

For a complete list of all available HTML tags, visit our HTML Tag Reference.