Why do the phone screen pictures break up on non-retina screens in certain sections of the website, even though they are all marked as HiDPI and the same size?

Published on
September 22, 2023

There could be several reasons why the phone screen pictures may break up on non-retina screens in certain sections of the website, even if they are all marked as HiDPI and the same size. Here are some possible explanations and solutions to address the issue:

  1. Image compression: Non-retina screens have lower pixel density compared to high-resolution screens. If the images are not properly compressed for non-retina screens, they may appear pixelated or broken. To fix this, ensure that the images are optimized for the target device by using appropriate compression techniques. You can use tools like TinyPNG or JPEGmini to compress the images without noticeable loss in quality.

  2. Image scaling: If the images are being scaled up or down on non-retina screens, it can result in distortion or break up of the images. Make sure that the images are sized correctly for the target display to maintain their integrity. Avoid using CSS properties like width or height to scale the images dynamically, as this can lead to visual artifacts. Instead, save and display the images at their intended size.

  3. CSS rendering: The way browsers render images can vary, especially across different devices and browsers. It's possible that certain CSS properties or rendering techniques are causing the break up. To troubleshoot this, check if the images display correctly on different web browsers and devices. If the issue is specific to a particular browser or device, you may need to employ browser-specific CSS hacks or workarounds.

  4. Retina-specific images: If you are using different versions of the images for retina and non-retina screens, ensure that they are properly implemented. If the non-retina version of the image is missing or incorrectly linked in the code, it can result in broken images. Double-check that the correct image URLs are specified for different screen resolutions.

  5. Cache issues: It's possible that the break up issue is related to caching problems. Try clearing the browser cache or accessing the website in an incognito/private browsing mode to rule out any cache-related issues.

Remember to test the website across various screen resolutions and devices to ensure compatibility and visual consistency. By addressing these possible causes, you should be able to resolve the issue of phone screen pictures breaking up on non-retina screens in certain sections of the website.

Additional questions:

  1. How can I optimize images for different screen resolutions in Webflow?
  2. What are the best practices for handling HiDPI images in Webflow?
  3. Why do some images look pixelated on certain devices even if they are high-resolution?