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HTML fallback guide

How to Add an img onerror Fallback

The HTML img onerror attribute is the fastest way to replace a failed image with a controlled fallback URL. fallback.pics gives that fallback a stable, readable SVG placeholder.

Example URL https://fallback.pics/api/v1/600x400?text=Image+Unavailable
HTML fallback guide example generated by fallback.pics

Guide section

Basic img onerror pattern

Clear the error handler before changing the source. That prevents an infinite fallback loop if the fallback URL ever fails.

Basic img onerror pattern html 
<img
  src="/photo.jpg"
  width="600"
  height="400"
  alt="Product image"
  onerror="this.onerror=null;this.src='https://fallback.pics/api/v1/600x400?text=Image+Unavailable'"
/>

Guide section

Choose fallback copy by context

Use Product image for catalog cards, Avatar for profile photos, Image unavailable for failed CMS media, and a skeleton placeholder only for temporary loading states.

Guide section

Keep alt text meaningful

The fallback URL is a visual replacement. Your alt text should still describe the content the image represents.

Use fallback.pics as your default HTML image fallback URL.

https://fallback.pics/api/v1/600x400?text=Image+Unavailable
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