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Next.js

Next.js Image Error: Use next/image instead of img

By Filip on 10/05/2024

Learn how to resolve the Next.js error "Do not use . Use Image from 'next/image' instead" when using the HTML `<img>` tag with styled-components.

Next.js Image Error: Use next/image instead of img

Table of Contents

Introduction

This guide will help you replace the HTML <img> tag with the next/image component in your Next.js application for improved performance and image optimization. You will learn how to import the component, specify image dimensions, handle different image sources, and apply styling. The guide also covers advanced features like layout options and placeholders, and provides additional tips for a smooth transition.

Step-by-Step Guide

Next.js encourages the use of its built-in next/image component for optimized image handling and performance. If you're encountering the "Do not use <img>. Use Image from 'next/image' instead" error, follow these steps to smoothly transition:

1. Import the Image Component:

import Image from 'next/image';

2. Replace <img> Tags:

  • Locate instances of <img> tags in your components.
  • Replace them with the Image component:
// Before
<img src="/path/to/image.jpg" alt="My Image" />

// After
<Image src="/path/to/image.jpg" alt="My Image" width={500} height={300} />

3. Specify width and height:

  • The Image component requires explicit width and height props. This ensures proper layout and prevents layout shifts during image loading.
  • Use the actual dimensions of your image.

4. Handle Image Imports:

  • For local images within your public directory, directly provide the path:
<Image src="/images/my-image.jpg" alt="My Image" width={500} height={300} />
  • For dynamic images or external sources, consider these options:
    • Dynamic Imports:
      const MyImage = dynamic(() => import('/images/my-image.jpg'));
      
      <Image src={MyImage} alt="My Image" width={500} height={300} />
    • External URLs:
      <Image src="https://example.com/images/external-image.jpg" alt="External Image" width={500} height={300} />

5. Styling Considerations:

  • Styles applied directly to the Image component affect the inner <img> element.
  • For layout and positioning, wrap the Image component in a div or another element and style that wrapper.

6. Advanced Features (Optional):

  • Layout Options: Explore layout prop options like fill, fixed, intrinsic, and responsive for different image behaviors.
  • Placeholder and Blur Data URL: Enhance perceived performance with a placeholder or blur effect while the image loads.
  • Image Optimization: Leverage Next.js's automatic image optimization features for different device sizes and resolutions.

Example with Styling:

import Image from 'next/image';

function MyComponent() {
  return (
    <div className="image-container">
      <Image src="/images/my-image.jpg" alt="My Image" width={500} height={300} />
    </div>
  );
}

Additional Tips:

  • Refer to the next/image documentation for comprehensive details and examples.
  • Consider using a tool like next-images for easier integration with existing image assets.
  • If you face challenges with specific styling requirements, explore community solutions or consider custom wrappers.

By following these steps, you'll successfully migrate to next/image and benefit from its performance optimizations and features, ensuring a better user experience for your Next.js application.

Code Example

This code showcases examples of how to use the next/image component in Next.js to replace the traditional <img> tag for improved performance and optimization. It covers scenarios like basic image replacement, dynamic imports, external images, placeholders with blur effects, and responsive layouts. The code emphasizes the importance of accessibility with alt text and suggests exploring the next/image documentation for further customization.

Here are some JavaScript examples demonstrating the transition from <img> to next/image in Next.js, covering various scenarios:

1. Basic Image Replacement:

import Image from 'next/image';

function MyComponent() {
  return (
    <Image src="/images/profile.jpg" alt="Profile Picture" width={200} height={200} />
  );
}

2. Dynamic Image Import:

import Image from 'next/image';
import dynamic from 'next/dynamic';

const DynamicImage = dynamic(() => import('/images/background.jpg'));

function MyComponent() {
  return (
    <Image src={DynamicImage} alt="Background Image" layout="fill" objectFit="cover" />
  );
}

3. External Image with Styling:

import Image from 'next/image';

function MyComponent() {
  return (
    <div className="external-image-wrapper">
      <Image src="https://example.com/images/logo.png" alt="External Logo" width={150} height={50} />
    </div>
  );
}

4. Placeholder and Blur Effect:

import Image from 'next/image';

function MyComponent() {
  const myLoader = ({ src }) => {
    return `https://example.com/api/image/blur/${src}`; // Replace with your blur API
  };

  return (
    <Image 
      loader={myLoader}
      src="/images/product.jpg" 
      alt="Product Image" 
      width={400} 
      height={300}
      placeholder="blur"
      blurDataURL="data:..." // Base64 encoded placeholder image
    />
  );
}

5. Responsive Image with Layout Options:

import Image from 'next/image';

function MyComponent() {
  return (
    <Image 
      src="/images/banner.jpg" 
      alt="Responsive Banner" 
      layout="responsive" 
      width={800} 
      height={400} 
    />
  );
}

Additional Considerations:

  • Remember to install next-images if you're using it for image optimization.
  • Explore the next/image documentation for more advanced features and customization options.
  • Always provide appropriate alt text for accessibility.

By implementing these examples and adapting them to your specific use cases, you can effectively transition from <img> to next/image and leverage the performance and optimization benefits it offers for your Next.js applications.

Additional Notes

  • Image Optimization: next/image automatically optimizes images for different devices and resolutions, improving loading times and user experience. This includes resizing, format conversion (e.g., WebP), and lazy loading.
  • Accessibility: Always provide descriptive alt text for images to ensure accessibility for users with visual impairments.
  • Placeholder Images: Consider using placeholder images or blur effects while the actual image loads to provide a better visual experience and prevent layout shifts.
  • Image Formats: next/image supports various image formats, including JPEG, PNG, WebP, GIF, and SVG. Choose the appropriate format based on the image content and desired quality.
  • Image Sizes: Specify the width and height props accurately to ensure proper layout and prevent layout shifts. Use the actual dimensions of the image or consider responsive options.
  • Image Sources: You can use local images within the public directory, dynamic imports, or external URLs as image sources. Choose the method that best suits your needs and project structure.
  • Styling: Styles applied directly to the Image component affect the inner <img> element. For layout and positioning, wrap the Image component in a div or another element and style that wrapper.
  • Advanced Features: Explore advanced features like layout options (e.g., fill, fixed, intrinsic, responsive), custom loaders, and device sizes for more control over image behavior and optimization.
  • Community Resources: Refer to the Next.js documentation, community forums, and online tutorials for additional guidance and troubleshooting.
  • Third-Party Libraries: Consider using libraries like next-images or next-optimized-images for easier integration with existing image assets and additional optimization features.

By following these notes and the step-by-step guide, you can effectively transition from <img> to next/image and take advantage of its performance, optimization, and accessibility benefits in your Next.js applications.

Summary

Step Description Code Example
1. Import Component Import next/image component import Image from 'next/image';
2. Replace Tags Replace <img> tags with <Image> // Before
<img src="/path/to/image.jpg" alt="My Image" />
// After
<Image src="/path/to/image.jpg" alt="My Image" width={500} height={300} />
3. Specify Dimensions Set width and height props <Image src="/path/to/image.jpg" alt="My Image" width={500} height={300} />
4. Handle Imports Use direct paths for local images, dynamic imports or external URLs for others // Local Image
<Image src="/images/my-image.jpg" alt="My Image" width={500} height={300} />
// Dynamic Import
const MyImage = dynamic(() => import('/images/my-image.jpg'));
<Image src={MyImage} alt="My Image" width={500} height={300} />
5. Styling Style wrapper element, not Image directly <div className="image-container">
<Image src="/images/my-image.jpg" alt="My Image" width={500} height={300} />
</div>
6. Advanced Features (Optional) Explore layout prop, placeholders, blur data URLs, and Next.js's image optimization Refer to next/image documentation

Conclusion

Transitioning from the traditional <img> tag to the next/image component in Next.js offers numerous benefits for image optimization, performance, and user experience. By following the outlined steps and considering the additional notes, you can ensure a smooth migration and leverage the full potential of next/image in your Next.js applications. Remember to explore the provided resources and community support for further guidance and customization options. Embrace next/image to enhance your image handling and deliver a superior user experience.

References

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