How to prevent images from stretching or shrinking with CSS
Sep 21, 2025 am 12:04 AMUse object-fit or max-width with height: auto to prevent image distortion; object-fit controls how images fill containers while preserving aspect ratios, and max-width: 100%; height: auto ensures responsive scaling without stretching.
To prevent images from stretching or shrinking in CSS, you need to control their sizing behavior using specific properties. By default, images can scale unexpectedly in responsive layouts or when placed inside containers with fixed dimensions. Here’s how to maintain their natural proportions.
Use object-fit for Controlled Sizing
The object-fit property defines how an image should fit within its container without distorting its aspect ratio.
Common values:- object-fit: cover; – Fills the container while preserving aspect ratio (may crop edges)
- object-fit: contain; – Fits entire image within container, adds letterboxing if needed
- object-fit: none; – Keeps original size, no scaling
Example:
img { width: 300px; height: 200px; object-fit: cover; }
Preserve Aspect Ratio with max-width and height: auto
For responsive images that shouldn’t exceed their container but must keep proportions:
img { max-width: 100%; height: auto; }
This ensures the image scales down in smaller containers but never stretches beyond its natural width.
Avoid Setting Both Width and Height on Flexible Containers
Forcing both width and height on an image inside a flexible layout often causes distortion. Instead:
- Set only max-width and let height: auto handle the rest
- If fixed dimensions are needed, use a wrapper div and apply object-fit on the image
Basically, use object-fit when you need precise control over how an image fills a space, and max-width: 100%; height: auto; for general responsive images. These methods keep images looking natural across devices.
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