Tiled background images are images that are repeated in the background of web pages so as to give the page background texture and visual interest.
They are useful in that the single image is small in size and downloads quickly. When a single image is tiled in the background of a web page, the image repeats itself from left to right and then continues down the page to the next row, and the next row, entirely filling the background of the page immediately. The concept is similar to the way floor tiles work to cover a floor — however, with web pages, only one “tile” is needed as a reference, and the coding does the rest.
Experienced web designers know how to use tiles in various configurations to give startling effects that can be realized with a minimum of download time.
Tiled images are sometimes referred to as “wallpaper” because the concept is similar. Original images can be found online for free or for purchase for use on your web site — or, if you are feeling adventurous, you can design your own.
Questions? Contact Chicago Web Designer Christopher Merrill for answers.
