the battle between width and max-width for creating responsive web layouts

Many tutorials suggest using max-width:100% for images in responsive web design to ensure flexibility. However, why is it also possible to achieve the same result by using width:100%?

Answer №1

After conducting a small experiment, I have come to the conclusion that:

width:100%; will adjust the width of an image regardless of its original size.

  • If the 100% width is larger than the image's resolution, the image will continue to stretch and appear blurred.
  • Assigning a height to the image will cause it to distort by stretching the width.

max-width:100%;, on the other hand, adjusts the width more cautiously.

  • If the 100% exceeds the image's resolution, the scaling stops and the image maintains its delicate appearance.
  • When a height is applied, the width stops adjusting and preserves the aspect ratio.

This may explain why many prefer using max-width over width.

To view the screenshot of the experiment, click here (the graphic is 600 px * 432 px).

For additional information about the experiment, visit the webpage here.

Answer №2

When smaller images, such as those 200px wide, are placed within a parent container that is much wider on larger screens, they end up being stretched to fit the width of the container. This often results in poor quality, upscaled images with visible artifacts that do not look aesthetically pleasing.

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