How to Format Images for Optimal Web Display
The best way to display images on your website starts with understanding the key requirements and best practices for web-optimized images.
Image Requirements:
- Maximum file size: 20 MB (recommended: under 500 KB for fast loading)
- Recommended width: 2,500 pixels
- Minimum width: 1,500 pixels to avoid blurriness
- Supported formats: JPG, PNG, GIF
- Color mode: RGB
Best Practices for Image Display:
- Size and Resolution
- Upload high-quality images larger than your maximum display size
- Aim for 2,500px width for optimal responsive scaling
- Keep page size under 5MB for fast loading
- Image Shape and Containers
- Match image aspect ratio to container shape
- Use consistent aspect ratios in galleries
- Consider how images will crop on mobile devices
- Format-Specific Tips
- Use PNG for transparent backgrounds
- Save text-heavy images as PNG to maintain sharpness
- Use JPG for photographs and general images
Responsive Design: Images are automatically resized to seven different widths:
- 100px
- 300px
- 500px
- 750px
- 1,000px
- 1,500px
- 2,500px
Accessibility and SEO:
- Always add alt text to images
- Use text overlays instead of embedded text
- Ensure proper image metadata
Troubleshooting Common Issues:
- Blurry Images
- Check image width (minimum 1,500px)
- Verify file format and compression settings
- Ensure proper resolution
- Cropping Issues
- Adjust focal points
- Match aspect ratios to containers
- Use appropriate image dimensions
- Color Distortion
- Verify color mode is RGB
- Check color profile settings
- Ensure proper file format
Remember to keep original files backed up locally, as downloading from the site may not always be possible.