Difference between HTML img tag and CSS background image
Posted By : Milind Ahuja | 27-Nov-2017
In this Blog, I am going to show you the difference between HTML img tag and CSS background image to make it easier for you to decide what to use and when to use.
1. CONTENT :
Use an <img> tag if it is content related and not just being used as a design element, while backgroung image has nothing to do with the content and is purely a design element.
2. ACCESSIBILITY :
If there is a requirement to be indexed by search engine. Google does not index background images automatically.
For example, you can add alt text and a title attribute, which can be recognised by screen readers. This is also important for getting indexed by search engines. So if you want everyone need access to the image and it's search engine indexing to be prioritized, go for an <img> tag.
Also, inline images can be used to take advantage of tools like picturefill and lazy loading to enhance the performance to even further extent.
3. PERFORMANCE :
The number of large sized background images in the css will take longer timr to parse to pull down the images and this results the slow loading of the whole page, while with HTML img tag, the requests are made as the HTML is parsed. Although, for handful of small images for aesthetic enhancements like social icons, if you need to improve download time, you can use CSS sprite images as a background image.
4. PRINTING :
Use HTML <img> tag if you want the images to be included by default while users print the page and if you don't want the images to be included in print, you can go for CSS background image property.
CONCLUSION :
HTML <img> tags should be used when it is an important part of the content. The decision of chosing between the two depends on the question if the image help people to understand the content better.
THANKS
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About Author
Milind Ahuja
Milind is a bright Lead Frontend Developer and have knowledge of HTML, CSS, JavaScript, AngularJS, Angular 2+ Versions and photoshop. His hobbies are learning new computer techniques, fitness and interest in different languages.