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How do I make all images the same size in a grid CSS?

Published in CSS Layout 4 mins read

To ensure all images within a CSS grid are the same size, the most effective method is to use the object-fit property combined with setting explicit dimensions on the image container. This ensures consistent visual presentation regardless of the original image dimensions.

Here's a breakdown of how to achieve this:

1. Using object-fit Property

The object-fit property specifies how the content of a replaced element (like an <img> or <video>) should be resized to fit its container.

  • object-fit: cover;: This fills the entire container, potentially cropping the image to avoid distortion. This is often the preferred method for creating a uniform look.
  • object-fit: contain;: This ensures the entire image is visible within the container, potentially leaving empty space if the image's aspect ratio doesn't match the container's.
  • object-fit: fill;: This stretches or squeezes the image to fill the container, which can distort the image's proportions. Avoid this unless you're intentionally distorting the image.
  • object-fit: none;: Displays the image at its original size, clipped if it's larger than the container.
  • object-fit: scale-down;: Scales down the image to contain but only if it's larger than the container. Otherwise, it displays the image at its original size.

2. Setting Explicit Dimensions on the Image Container

Define the width and height of the container element (e.g., a <div> or the grid item itself). This provides the framework for the object-fit property to work.

3. CSS Grid Implementation

Here's how you can implement this in a CSS Grid:

<div class="grid-container">
  <div class="grid-item">
    <img src="image1.jpg" alt="Image 1">
  </div>
  <div class="grid-item">
    <img src="image2.jpg" alt="Image 2">
  </div>
  <!-- More grid items -->
</div>
.grid-container {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: repeat(auto-fit, minmax(200px, 1fr)); /* Responsive columns */
  gap: 10px; /* Spacing between grid items */
}

.grid-item {
  width: 100%; /* Ensure the grid item fills its column */
  aspect-ratio: 1 / 1; /* Maintain a 1:1 aspect ratio (square) */
  overflow: hidden; /* Clip any content that overflows */
}

.grid-item img {
  width: 100%; /* Image fills the width of its container */
  height: 100%; /* Image fills the height of its container */
  object-fit: cover; /* Crop the image to fill the container */
}

Explanation:

  • .grid-container: Defines the grid layout with responsive columns that adjust based on screen size.
  • .grid-item: Each grid item (containing the image) is set to fill its column. The aspect-ratio property ensures that all images maintain the same proportions. The overflow: hidden property clips any overflowing image content resulting from aspect ratio differences.
  • .grid-item img: The image inside each grid item is set to fill the entire available space within its container (width: 100%, height: 100%). object-fit: cover ensures that the image covers the entire container, cropping if necessary, to maintain the specified aspect ratio.

Example with object-fit: contain:

If you prefer to show the entire image without cropping, use object-fit: contain:

.grid-item img {
  width: 100%;
  height: 100%;
  object-fit: contain; /* Show entire image, add padding if needed */
}

In this case, the image might have padding (empty space) around it to fit within the container while preserving its aspect ratio.

Key Takeaways:

  • Use explicit dimensions (or aspect-ratio) on the image container for predictable sizing.
  • Choose the appropriate object-fit value (cover, contain, etc.) to control how the image is resized.
  • Consider overflow: hidden on the container if you're using object-fit: cover and want to clip any overflow caused by aspect ratio differences.

By combining these techniques, you can effectively manage image sizes within a CSS Grid layout and create a visually appealing and consistent presentation.

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