Is it possible to rectify the issue of stretched images in Webflow when changing them from background images to actual images?
TL;DR
- Set image width to 100% and height to auto to maintain aspect ratio and prevent stretching.
- Use object-fit: cover if mimicking background behavior and avoid fixed dimensions or constraining parent containers.
Yes, it's possible to fix stretched images in Webflow when switching from background images to actual image elements by adjusting layout settings, sizing options, and styling configurations.
1. Understand Why Stretching Happens
- Background images maintain aspect ratio by default when styled with settings like Cover, Contain, or custom Position + Size in the Webflow UI.
- Image elements (
<img>), however, may stretch if the parent container's dimensions force them to fit a specific space, especially when width and height are constrained or undefined.
2. Use Correct Sizing for Image Elements
- Select the image element, then under the Style panel, adjust:
- Width to 100% or Auto
- Height to Auto
- Max width to 100% to prevent overflow in responsive layouts
- This ensures the image maintains its original aspect ratio and scales with the container.
3. Set Container Constraints Properly
- Make sure the parent container (like a
Div Block) does not have: - Fixed height forcing the image to stretch
- Flexbox or Grid settings that distort child elements
- If using Flexbox, set align to start or center, and make sure dimensions use Auto for better control.
4. Use Display and Object-Fit as Needed
- For images used like background images, simulate that behavior with:
- Display: Block
- Width: 100%
- Height: if needed, a fixed value, then use...
- Object-fit: Cover — retains aspect ratio and covers the space
- This mimics how background images behave with background-size: cover
5. Avoid Setting Both Width and Height Arbitrarily
- Never force both width and height unless you're also using object-fit: contain or cover, otherwise it will distort the image.
6. Optimize for Responsiveness
- Add Responsive image scaling by using percentage or VW-based sizing.
- Use Webflow’s Responsive Image setting (enabled by default) for
<img>tags to let it serve alternate image sizes per screen.
Summary
To fix stretched images when switching from background images to image elements in Webflow, ensure proper styling: set width to 100% and height to auto, use object-fit: cover if necessary, and prevent layout containers from distorting image dimensions. This preserves the image's aspect ratio and ensures consistent behavior across breakpoints.