CSS Image Sprites

CSS Image-Sprites:

CSS image sprites are a technique used to optimize web page loading times by combining multiple images into a single image file and then using CSS to display specific parts of that image as background images for different elements. This reduces the number of HTTP requests made to the server, which can improve page loading performance.

Here are the steps to create and use CSS image sprites:

Create the Image Sprite:

Combine all the images you want to use into a single image file. Typically, these images are icons, buttons, or other small graphics.

Ensure that there is some whitespace or transparent space between each image to prevent unintended overlap.

Upload the Image Sprite:

Upload the combined image sprite to your web server, just like you would with any other image.

Define CSS Classes for Each Image:

Create CSS classes for each image you want to use from the sprite. Use the background-image property to set the sprite image as the background.

Use the background-position property to specify the position of the specific image within the sprite.

Set the width and height properties to the dimensions of the individual image within the sprite.

Example CSS for image sprites:

Use the CSS Classes in HTML:

In your HTML markup, use the CSS classes you defined for each image where you want to display them.

Example HTML usage:

Adjust Background Position:

You can adjust the background-position property values to display different images from the sprite as needed.

Benefits of CSS image sprites:

Fewer HTTP requests, leading to faster page loading times.

Reduced server load and bandwidth usage.

Improved user experience by reducing waiting times for images to load.