What is the best way to create this effect using a normal img element in Webflow instead of setting the image as a background and adding an overlay?
TL;DR
- Wrap the image and an overlay div inside a
relativepositioned wrapper. - Set the overlay div to
absolutewith full coverage (top: 0, left: 0, right: 0, bottom: 0) and a semi-transparent background. - Use Webflow interactions on the wrapper to toggle the overlay’s opacity for hover effects.
To recreate an image overlay effect using a regular img element in Webflow (instead of using a background image), you can do this by layering a div over the image within a wrapper. Here's how:
1. Structure the Elements
- Add a Div Block and give it a class like
image-wrapper. - Inside the wrapper, add an Image element and upload/select your image.
- Then, add a second Div Block inside the wrapper, placed after the image. Give this overlay div a class like
image-overlay.
2. Style the Wrapper
- Set the
image-wrapperto position: relative. - Give it any desired width and height, or let it size to the image automatically.
3. Style the Image
- Set the image to display: block and width: 100% (to fill the wrapper).
- Alternatively, set the image to absolute positioning if you want more control.
4. Style the Overlay
- Set
image-overlayto position: absolute. - Set top, left, right, bottom to 0 — this makes the overlay cover the entire image.
- Assign a background color (e.g., black or gradient), with opacity or use rgba, like
rgba(0,0,0,0.5). - If you need interaction effects like hover, add an initial opacity of 0, and use Webflow interactions to change its opacity on hover.
5. Optional: Add Text or Icons in Overlay
- You can place text or icons inside the
image-overlaydiv. - Use Flexbox (center-center) on the overlay for easy alignment.
6. Use Hover Interactions (Optional)
- Select the
image-wrapper. - In the Interactions panel, add a hover trigger.
- On Hover, set an animation that changes the overlay’s opacity from 0 to 1.
- On Hover Out, reverse the opacity from 1 to 0.
Summary
To create an overlay effect on a standard img element in Webflow, wrap the image and a positioned overlay div inside a relative wrapper. Style the overlay with absolute positioning and background color, and use Webflow interactions for hover effects. This gives you full control, similar to background-image overlays but with better accessibility and loading behavior.