HTML - Images in HTML

Introduction

Images play an important role in making webpages visually appealing and informative. HTML allows developers to display images using a specific element designed for this purpose. By inserting images, webpages can communicate ideas more effectively and improve user engagement.

Understanding how images work in HTML is essential for building complete and attractive webpages.

The Image Element

Images are added using the element. Unlike many other HTML elements, it does not have a closing tag because it does not contain content. It uses attributes to define its behavior.

Basic syntax:

<img src="image.jpg" alt="Description">

This element instructs the browser to load and display an image file.

Important Attributes of the Image Element

src Attribute

The src attribute specifies the path or location of the image file.

Example:

<img src="photo.png" alt="Photo">

The browser retrieves the image from the given location and displays it on the webpage.

The path may be:

  • Relative path (inside project folders)

  • Absolute URL (from the internet)

alt Attribute

The alt attribute provides alternative text describing the image. This text appears if the image cannot be loaded and helps screen readers support visually impaired users.

Example:

<img src="book.jpg" alt="Stack of books">

Providing meaningful alt text is considered good practice.

width and height Attributes

These attributes define the size of the image displayed on the page.

Example:

<img src="image.jpg" alt="Sample" width="300" height="200">

Setting dimensions helps control layout and page design.

Image Formats Supported by HTML

Common image file types used on webpages include:

  • JPEG or JPG — suitable for photographs

  • PNG — supports transparency

  • GIF — supports animation

  • SVG — scalable vector graphics

Choosing the correct format improves quality and performance.

Image Placement and Organization

Images can be placed anywhere within the section. They are often grouped with text or other elements for layout design.

Example:

<body> <h2>Gallery</h2> <img src="pic1.jpg" alt="View"> </body>

Proper placement ensures content is visually balanced.

Best Practices for Using Images

  • Use descriptive alt text

  • Optimize image size for faster loading

  • Maintain proper proportions

  • Store images in organized folders

  • Avoid excessively large files

Following these practices improves webpage performance and accessibility.

Importance of Images in Webpages

Using images effectively:

  • Enhances visual appeal

  • Helps explain content

  • Improves user engagement

  • Supports accessibility

  • Contributes to professional webpage design

Summary

The element allows HTML pages to display visual content through attributes such as src, alt, width, and height. Understanding how to insert and manage images helps students create attractive and user-friendly webpages. Mastery of image usage is an important step in learning web design