How to Format Images for Web Display: A Complete Guide
Images are crucial components of web design, requiring proper formatting for optimal display across different devices. Here's a comprehensive guide to image formatting:
Image Requirements
- Maximum file size: 20 MB (recommended: 500 KB or less)
- Optimal width: 2500 pixels
- Minimum width: 1500 pixels to avoid blurriness
- Supported formats: JPG, PNG, GIF
- Color mode: RGB
- Transparent backgrounds: Use PNG format
Responsive Design
Squarespace automatically creates seven image variations for different screen sizes:
- 100 pixels
- 300 pixels
- 500 pixels
- 750 pixels
- 1000 pixels
- 1500 pixels
- 2500 pixels
Best Practices
- Image Quality
- Upload high-quality images at maximum expected display size
- Keep page size below 5 MB for faster loading
- Use proper orientation before uploading
- Format Considerations
- Use PNG for text-containing images
- Maintain consistent aspect ratios in galleries
- Consider mobile device display requirements
- Accessibility
- Add alternative text for screen readers
- Avoid embedding text in images
- Use overlay text instead of image-embedded text
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Blurry Images
- Ensure width is at least 1500 pixels
- Check image resolution
- Verify proper file format
- Cropping Issues
- Match image shape to container dimensions
- Use focal points for better centering
- Consider mobile device display requirements
- Color Distortion
- Verify correct color mode (RGB)
- Check color profile settings
- Ensure proper file format
- Loading Issues
- Compress images to recommended size
- Use appropriate file formats
- Optimize for web display
Remember to maintain original files locally, as downloaded versions may have reduced quality. For specialized areas like logos or browser icons, refer to specific size requirements for optimal display.