image-set

The image-set() CSS function notation is a method of letting the browser pick the most appropriate CSS image from a given set, primarily for high pixel density screens.

Resolution and bandwidth differ by device and network access. The image-set() function delivers the most appropriate image resolution for a user’s device, providing a set of image options — each with an associated resolution declaration — from which the browser picks the most appropriate for the device and settings. Resolution can be used as a proxy for filesize — a user agent on a slow mobile connection with a high-resolution screen may prefer to receive lower-resolution images rather than waiting for a higher resolution image to load.

image-set() allows the author to provide options rather than determining what each individual user needs.

Syntax

image-set() = image-set( <image-set-option># ) 
where <image-set-option> = [ <image> | <string> ] <resolution> and
      <string> is an <url>

Values

Most commonly you'll see an url() <string> value, but the <image> can be any image type except for an image set. The image-set() function can not be nested inside another image-set() function.

<resolution> units include x or dppx, for dots per pixel unit, dpi, for dots per inch, and dpcm for dots per centimeter. Every image within an image-set() must have a unique resolution.

Examples

Using image-set() to provide alternative background-image options

background-image: image-set( "cat.png" 1x,
                             "cat-2x.png" 2x,
                             "cat-print.png" 600dpi);

This example shows how to use image-set() to provide two alternative background-image options, chosen depending on the resolution needed: a normal version and a high-resolution version.

Accessibility concerns

Browsers do not provide any special information on background images to assistive technology. This is important primarily for screen readers, as a screen reader will not announce its presence and therefore convey nothing to its users. If the image contains information critical to understanding the page's overall purpose, it is better to describe it semantically in the document.

• MDN Understanding WCAG, Guideline 1.1 explanations
• Understanding Success Criterion 1.1.1 | W3C Understanding WCAG 2.0

Specifications

Browser compatibilityUpdate compatibility data on GitHub

See also

• <image>
• image()
• element
• <url>
• <gradient>
• cross-fade