How To Resize Image in GitHub Using Markdown?

Markdown is a popular markup language that simplifies formatting text, commonly used in README files, wikis, and documentation across various platforms like GitHub. It provides a simple way to embed images but doesn't include built-in options to resize them directly.

In this article, we will see the different methods to resize Images in GitHub using Markdown, helping you to maintain the visual appeal and readability of your documents.

Markdown Image Embedding

The basic syntax for embedding images in Markdown looks like this

![Alt Text](image-url)

This standard Markdown syntax inserts the image at its full size, with no options for resizing. To control the size of images in GitHub's Markdown, you'll need to use HTML or other techniques since GitHub's Markdown (GFM - GitHub Flavored Markdown) supports embedding HTML directly.

Methods to Resize Images in GitHub Markdown

Here are the main methods you can use to resize images in GitHub using Markdown:

Method 1: Using HTML <img> Tag

The most simple approach to resizing images in GitHub Markdown is by using the HTML <img> tag, which allows specifying the width and height of the image.

<img src="image-url" alt="Alt Text" width="300" height="200">

• Pros: Allows precise control over the image’s width and height.
• Cons: Increases complexity by mixing HTML with Markdown, which may reduce readability.

Example: This method is fully supported in GitHub's Markdown, making it a reliable choice for most users.

<img src="https://media.geeksforgeeks.org/wp-content/uploads/20230501155143/Git-Tutorial.webp" alt="Sample Image" width="400" height="300">

Output:

Method 2: Using Inline CSS with HTML

Another flexible option is to use inline CSS styles with the <img> tag for more customized resizing options, such as percentage-based sizes or maintaining aspect ratios automatically.

<img src="image-url" alt="Alt Text" style="width:50%; height:auto;">

• Pros: Allows for percentage-based resizing, making it responsive to different screen sizes.
• Cons: Increases HTML complexity within Markdown.

Example: This method is particularly useful when you want images to adapt to different screen sizes or when a specific width-to-height ratio is necessary.

<img src="https://media.geeksforgeeks.org/wp-content/uploads/20230501155143/Git-Tutorial.webp" alt="Sample Image" style="width:50%; height:auto;">

Output:

Method 3: GitHub-Specific Markdown Syntax Attempts

Although some Markdown implementations allow syntax like , GitHub's Markdown does not support this directly. This syntax attempts to resize images using parameters, but GitHub does not render this feature.

Best Practices for Resizing Images in GitHub

• Maintain Accessibility: Always include descriptive alt text for images to improve accessibility for users relying on screen readers.
• Optimize Image Files: Before embedding, optimize images to reduce load times, especially if they are large or you plan to use them at reduced sizes.
• Consistent Image Sizing: Ensure a consistent look and feel by standardizing image dimensions across your Markdown files when possible.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

• HTML Tags Not Rendering Properly: If HTML tags do not render as expected, double-check your syntax and ensure there are no restrictions on HTML rendering in the repository settings.
• Aspect Ratio Distortion: To maintain aspect ratio, avoid setting both width and height unless necessary. Use auto for one dimension to preserve the original aspect ratio.