Table of Contents
Understanding the srcset attribute
Using sizes for layout-based selection
Supporting high-DPI (retina) screens
Best practices and tips
Home Web Front-end HTML Tutorial How to serve responsive images with the srcset attribute in HTML

How to serve responsive images with the srcset attribute in HTML

Aug 04, 2025 am 02:22 AM
Responsive images srcset

Use the srcset attribute to effectively provide responsive images, improving page loading speed and user experience. 1. The srcset attribute allows you to define multiple image sources and width or pixel density prompts, so that the browser can select the most appropriate image; 2. Combining the sizes attribute, it can provide more accurate image selection based on layout changes, such as the percentage of the image occupying the viewport under different screen widths; 3. Pixel density descriptors (such as 1x, 2x) can be used for high-definition images; 4. Always retain src as a fallback option for old browsers; 5. Use width descriptors (w) when the image is scaled with the viewport, and density descriptors (x) for fixed-size images; 6. All image versions should be optimized to save bandwidth; 7. Verify performance under different screens through device testing or developer tools. Use srcset correctly without JavaScript or CSS skills. Relying on native HTML can achieve efficient and adaptive image loading, and finally the browser automatically selects the best image resource to complete rendering.

How to serve responsive images with the srcset attribute in HTML

Serving responsive images using the srcset attribute in HTML is a smart way to deliver the right image size based on the user's device and screen resolution. This improves page load times and enhances user experience, especially on mobile devices. Here's how to use it effectively.

How to serve responsive images with the srcset attribute in HTML

Understanding the srcset attribute

The srcset attribute lets you define multiple image sources along with hints (like width or pixel density) so the browser can pick the most appropriate one. It works alongside the img tag and is often used with the sizes attribute for more control.

Basic syntax:

How to serve responsive images with the srcset attribute in HTML
 <img src="/static/imghw/default1.png"  data-src="image-small.jpg"  class="lazy"
     srcset="image-small.jpg 480w,
             image-medium.jpg 800w,
             image-large.jpg 1200w"
     alt="A responsive image">

In this example:

  • Each image is followed by its width descriptor (eg, 480w means 480 pixels wide).
  • The browser uses this info, plus the viewport size and device pixel ratio, to choose the best image.

Using sizes for layout-based selection

If your image size changes depending on the screen width (eg, full width on mobile, half width on desktop), use the sizes attribute to give the browser hints.

How to serve responsive images with the srcset attribute in HTML

Example:

 <img src="/static/imghw/default1.png"  data-src="image-small.jpg"  class="lazy"
     srcset="image-480.jpg 480w,
             image-800.jpg 800w,
             image-1200.jpg 1200w"
     sizes="(max-width: 480px) 100vw,
            (max-width: 800px) 50vw,
            33vw"
     alt="Responsive image with sizes">

Here's what sizes means:

  • On screens 480px or smaller , the image takes up 100vw (full width).
  • Between 481px and 800px , it uses 50vw (half width).
  • On larger screens , it uses 33vw .

The browser uses this layout info srcset options to pick the best image file.

Supporting high-DPI (retina) screens

You can also serve higher-resolution images for devices with higher pixel density using pixel density descriptors ( 1x , 2x , etc.).

Example:

 <img src="/static/imghw/default1.png"  data-src="image.jpg"  class="lazy"
     srcset="image.jpg 1x,
             image-2x.jpg 2x,
             image-3x.jpg 3x"
     alt="High-DPI responsive image">

This is simpler but less flexible than using width descriptors. It's best when the image size doesn't change much across devices.

Best practices and tips

  • Always include a src fallback: it's used if srcset isn't supported (very old browsers).
  • Combine srcset with sizes when image dimensions are responsive.
  • Use width descriptors ( w ) when images scale with viewport; use density descriptors ( x ) for fixed-size images (like icons).
  • Optimize and compress all image versions to save bandwidth.
  • Test on different devices or use browser dev tools to simulate various screen sizes.

Using srcset doesn't require JavaScript or CSS tricks—it's native HTML that modern browsers support well. It's a straightforward way to make your site faster and more adaptive.

Basically, just provide multiple image options and let the browser do the rest.

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