How to Layer Images in CSS: A Complete Guide

Layering images in CSS allows you to create visually engaging designs by stacking images on top of each other, applying overlays, or mixing images with text. Whether you’re designing a hero banner, a background effect, or a slideshow, understanding how to layer images effectively can enhance your web design.

In this blog, we’ll cover:
✅ Different methods to layer images in CSS
✅ Using positioning, z-index, and opacity
✅ Practical examples and best practices

1. Using the position Property to Layer Images

One of the most common ways to layer images in CSS is by using the position property. By setting elements to absolute or relative, you can stack images on top of each other.

Example: Layering Two Images

<div class="container">
  <img src="background.jpg" class="background">
  <img src="foreground.png" class="foreground">
</div>

.container {
  position: relative;
  width: 500px;
  height: 300px;
}

.background {
  width: 100%;
  height: 100%;
}

.foreground {
  position: absolute;
  top: 50px;
  left: 50px;
  width: 100px;
  height: 100px;
}

✅ How It Works:

• The .container is relative, so the .foreground image is positioned relative to it.
• The .foreground image is absolutely positioned, making it easy to place anywhere.

2. Using z-index to Control Image Layers

The z-index property determines which element appears on top when elements overlap.

Example: Stacking Images with z-index

.container {
  position: relative;
}

.image1 {
  position: absolute;
  top: 0;
  left: 0;
  z-index: 1; /* Below */
}

.image2 {
  position: absolute;
  top: 20px;
  left: 20px;
  z-index: 2; /* Above */
}

✅ The higher the z-index value, the closer to the front the image appears.

3. Layering Images Using opacity & mix-blend-mode

To create overlay effects, you can use opacity and mix-blend-mode.

Example: Fading an Image Over Another

.overlay {
  position: absolute;
  top: 0;
  left: 0;
  width: 100%;
  height: 100%;
  opacity: 0.5; /* Makes it semi-transparent */
}

Using mix-blend-mode for Cool Effects

.image {
  mix-blend-mode: multiply;
}

✅ This blends the image with the background for creative effects.

4. Using background-image for Layered Backgrounds

Instead of using multiple <img> tags, you can layer images using background-image.

Example: Multiple Background Layers

.hero {
  background: url('layer1.png'), url('layer2.png'), url('background.jpg');
  background-size: cover, contain, cover;
  background-position: center, right bottom, center;
  background-repeat: no-repeat, no-repeat, no-repeat;
  height: 400px;
}

✅ This method is great for hero sections and parallax effects.

Conclusion

Layering images in CSS gives you full control over positioning, depth, and effects. By using positioning, z-index, opacity, and background properties, you can create stunning visuals.