ITS Department (Helpdesk)

HTML - Image src

Above we have defined the src attribute. Src stands for source, the source of the image or more appropriately, where the picture file is located. As with links described in a previous lesson, you may use any standard URL to properly point the src attribute to a local or external source.

There are two ways to define the source of an image. First you may use a standard URL. (src=http://www.Tizag.com/pics/htmlT/sunset.gif) As your second choice, you may copy or upload the file onto your web server and access it locally using standard directory tree methods. (src="../sunset.gif") The location of this picture file is in relation to your location of your .html file.

URL Types:

A URL cannot contain drive letters, since a src URL is a relational source interpretation based on the location of your .html file and the location of the picture file. Therefore something like src="C:\\www\web\pics\" will not work. Pictures must be uploaded along with your .html file to your web server.

Each method has its pros and cons, for instance using the URL of pictures on other sites poses a problem if the web master(s) of the other site happen to change the physical location of the picture file. Copying the file directly to your web server solves this problem, however, as you continue to upload picture files to your system, you may eventually run short on hard drive space. Use your best judgement to meet your needs.