Adding images in Webflow is a fundamental step for building visually engaging and responsive websites. This guide walks you through how to upload, place, and manipulate images using built-in tools in the Webflow Designer. We will learn:
- how to add image in Webflow
- how to add background image in Webflow
- how to rotate image in Webflow
- how to center an image in Webflow
- how to crop an image in Webflow
Let's start!
Upload and Add an Image in Webflow
To display an image in Webflow, you first need to upload it and then insert it into your layout using the Image element. This ensures your visuals are optimized and ready to style responsively. Here's how to do it step by step:
Steps to upload image to Webflow
- Open your Webflow project and enter the Designer interface.
- Locate the Assets tab (folder icon) in the left toolbar — this is where all your project’s media is managed.
- Click the Upload button inside the Assets panel, then browse and select the image file from your computer. The file will appear in your media library.
Steps to add image to your layout
- Open the Add Elements panel (press A or click the + icon), then drag the Image element onto your canvas — inside a Section, Container, or Div Block.
- Click the image block to open the image picker, and select the file you uploaded from the Assets panel.
- With the image selected, use the Style panel on the right to fine-tune its size, add spacing (margin/padding), or apply custom styling for responsiveness.
How to Add a Background Image in Webflow
Background images differ from inline images because they are applied to an element like a div block rather than placed as standalone content. This gives you more control over positioning and effects.
Apply a background image using Webflow background image settings
- Drag a Div Block onto the canvas and select it.
- In the Style panel, go to the Backgrounds section.
- Click +Image under Backgrounds.
- Choose or upload your image from the Asset manager.
- Adjust position, size (cover/contain), and repeat settings as needed.
How to Rotate an Image in Webflow
Rotating an image in Webflow is simple and doesn’t require any code. You can use the built-in transform tools directly in the Style panel to apply visual rotation effects.
Steps to rotate image in Webflow designer
- Click on the Image element in your layout that you want to rotate.
- Go to the Style panel on the right-hand side of the Designer interface.
- Scroll down to the Transforms section and click + Add Transform to reveal transformation options.
- Select Rotate from the list, and enter a value like
90deg,-45deg, or180degto adjust the image angle.
How to Center an Image in Webflow
There are several methods to center images horizontally and/or vertically depending on your layout structure.
Center image in Webflow layout (horizontal only)
- Select the Image element you want to center horizontally.
- In the Style panel, set the image’s Display to Block — this allows margin properties to work.
- Then apply Left and Right margins: Auto. This will push the image into the center of its container horizontally.
Center image vertically and horizontally using Flex
- Place the Image inside a Div Block or any parent container.
- Select the container and go to the Style panel.
- Set the container’s Display to Flex.
- Change Justify to Center (horizontal alignment).
- Change Align to Center (vertical alignment).
How to Crop an Image in Webflow
While Webflow doesn’t have built-in cropping tools like image editors, you can simulate cropping visually using container elements and CSS properties. This method lets you control what portion of the image is visible on the canvas without altering the actual file.
Crop image without external editor (using CSS)
- Drag a Div Block onto the canvas and use it as a crop container.
- Set a specific width and height for the Div Block — this defines the visible area of your image.
- Apply overflow: hidden to the Div Block to hide anything outside its bounds.
- Place your Image element inside this Div Block.
- Use the Position (relative/absolute) or transform: translate properties to shift the image and reveal only the desired part.
Responsive Image Positioning Tips
Making sure your images look great on all devices is a key part of Webflow design.
| Use Case | Responsive Strategy |
|---|---|
| Image in column layout | Use percentage widths or flexbox |
| Hero section image | Use background images with cover |
| Centered icon or logo | Apply flex and auto margins |
Useful Links
Image Element – Detailed guide on adding and managing image elements in Webflow.
Image Optimization for Web – Best practices for optimizing images to enhance website performance.
Image Resolution – Information on optimizing image resolution for Webflow websites and ensuring fast loading times.
Image Field in CMS – Guide on using the Image field within Webflow’s CMS for dynamic image management.
Multi-image Field – Learn how to use the Multi-image field for galleries and dynamic content in Webflow.
Optimizing Images for Web – How to optimize your images for better performance and speed on Webflow websites.
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Conclusion
Webflow offers multiple ways to work with images — from basic uploads to advanced positioning, background styling, and CSS transforms. Understanding how to add image in Webflow effectively gives you control over visual layout and responsiveness. Use the tools in the Style panel to rotate, center, or crop images creatively, and remember to optimize layouts for mobile devices. Whether you’re adding a single logo or full-width hero image, mastering these tools will significantly improve your website design workflow.
