nextjs-image-art-direction

Use art direction when viewport size needs different image content or crop.

When to Use

• Mobile and desktop use different assets
• Crop, focal point, or content hierarchy changes by viewport
• Carousel has separate mobile and desktop images

Goal

Render one correct image per viewport. Keep Next.js image optimization. Avoid loading unused images.

Rules

• Use <picture> with <source> and final <img>.
• Use getImageProps() for each asset.
• Share alt and sizes.
• Make alt accurate for all variants.
• Order sources so first matching media query wins.
• Do not use preload or loading="eager".
• Use fetchPriority="high" for LCP image when needed.
• Do not use placeholder with getImageProps().

Pattern

import { getImageProps } from 'next/image'

export function HeroImage() {
  const common = { alt: 'Mountain landscape', sizes: '100vw' }
  const { props: { srcSet: desktop } } = getImageProps({
    ...common,
    src: '/hero-desktop.jpg',
    width: 1440,
    height: 875,
  })
  const { props: { srcSet: mobile, ...rest } } = getImageProps({
    ...common,
    src: '/hero-mobile.jpg',
    width: 750,
    height: 1334,
  })

  return (
    <picture>
      <source media="(min-width: 768px)" srcSet={desktop} />
      <img {...rest} style={{ width: '100%', height: 'auto' }} />
    </picture>
  )
}

Flow

1. Confirm content changes, not only size.
2. Pick assets per breakpoint.
3. Define common props.
4. Generate srcSet per asset.
5. Put <source> before fallback <img>.
6. Test desktop, tablet, and mobile.
7. Confirm only matching image loads.

References

• Next.js Image Component Docs - Art Direction
• MDN - Responsive Images: Art Direction
• Next.js getImageProps() API

Output

## Art Direction Plan

Use case: [why different images are needed]
Breakpoints:
- [media query]: [asset], [width]x[height]
- fallback: [asset], [width]x[height]

Common props:
- alt: [text]
- sizes: [value]
- priority: [fetchPriority if LCP]