In HTML, the <img> and <figure> tags serve distinct purposes in the structure and semantics of a webpage. Understanding when to use each tag can enhance the accessibility, SEO, and overall user experience of your website.

The <img> Tag

The <img> tag is used to embed images directly into an HTML document. It is a self-closing tag that includes attributes such as src (source) and alt (alternative text).

Example:

<img src="image.jpg" alt="Description of image">

When to Use <img>:

• Simple Embedding: When you need to embed an image without any additional context or accompanying content.
• Decorative Images: For images that are purely decorative and don’t require additional explanation or context.
• Icons and Logos: For small icons, logos, or any image that doesn’t need a caption or detailed description.

The <figure> Tag

The <figure> tag is used to group an image with its caption and any other related content. It often works in conjunction with the <figcaption> tag to provide a caption for the image.

Example:

<figure>
  <img src="image.jpg" alt="Description of image">
  <figcaption>This is a caption for the image.</figcaption>
</figure>

When to Use <figure>:

• Captioned Images: When an image requires a caption to provide additional context, information, or credit.
• Grouped Content: When an image is part of a set of content that should be grouped together, such as a diagram with an explanation or a chart with its data.
• Enhanced Semantics: To improve the semantic structure of your HTML, making it clearer that the image and its caption are related.
• Complex Content: When the image is part of a more complex content layout that includes other HTML elements.

Benefits of Using <figure>

1. Accessibility: Grouping an image with its caption can improve accessibility, making it easier for screen readers to understand the context and relationship between the image and its caption.
2. SEO: Search engines can better understand and index the content when images are properly captioned, potentially improving search rankings.
3. Semantics: The <figure> and <figcaption> tags provide a clearer semantic structure, helping browsers and other tools interpret the content correctly.

Practical Examples

Example 1: Photo with a Caption

<figure>
  <img src="landscape.jpg" alt="A beautiful landscape">
  <figcaption>A stunning landscape view.</figcaption>
</figure>

This is useful for articles or blog posts where the image’s context is important to the reader.

Example 2: Diagram with Description

<figure>
  <img src="diagram.png" alt="Diagram of a process">
  <figcaption>Step-by-step process diagram.</figcaption>
</figure>

This is ideal for educational or technical content where explaining the image is crucial.

Conclusion

Choosing between <img> and <figure> depends on the context in which you are using the image. For simple, standalone images, the <img> tag is sufficient. However, when an image requires a caption or is part of a more complex content structure, the <figure> tag is the appropriate choice. Using these tags correctly can enhance the usability, accessibility, and SEO of your website, providing a better experience for all users.