how to center an image obsidian

Daniel Parker

2 min read

·

06-02-2025

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Obsidian, the popular note-taking and knowledge management application, doesn't offer a single button to center images. However, there are several ways to achieve centered images, depending on your preferred method and the type of Markdown you're using. This guide will walk you through the most common and effective techniques.

Method 1: Using HTML

This is arguably the most reliable method for perfectly centering images across different Obsidian themes. It uses standard HTML code, making it consistent and robust.

Steps:

1. Wrap your image in <center> tags: This is the simplest approach. Replace your-image.jpg with the actual path to your image file within your Obsidian vault.

   <center><img src="your-image.jpg" alt="Description of your image"></center>
   

2. Alternatively, use <div> with CSS: For more control, you can use a <div> element with inline CSS styling. This method offers more flexibility if you need to adjust other aspects of the image's display.

   <div style="text-align: center;"><img src="your-image.jpg" alt="Description of your image"></div>
   

3. Save your note: Obsidian will render the HTML, displaying your image centered on the page.

Method 2: Using Markdown with Specific Extensions (Less Reliable)

Some Obsidian extensions claim to offer image centering features within the Markdown editor itself. However, the effectiveness of these extensions can vary depending on your theme and other plugins. This method is less reliable than using HTML.

• Check your extensions: Explore your installed extensions to see if any provide explicit image centering options. These features are often experimental and may not always work perfectly.
• Theme-specific options: Some themes might incorporate custom Markdown features for image alignment, but this is not common. Refer to your theme's documentation for details.

Method 3: Using the "Align" Attribute (Limited Support)

Markdown's align attribute for images isn't universally supported in Obsidian. While some themes might interpret it, others may ignore it. This method is less reliable than HTML.

Example (May or May Not Work):

![Description of your image](your-image.jpg){ align="center"}

Important Considerations:

• Image size: A very wide image might still appear slightly off-center, even with the centering methods above. Consider resizing large images before adding them to your notes.
• Theme compatibility: While HTML is generally consistent, some Obsidian themes might have quirks that affect image rendering. If you encounter issues, test with a different theme or consult its documentation.
• Image alt text: Always include alt text for accessibility. This provides a description of the image for screen readers and users with impaired vision.

Troubleshooting Tips

• Check your theme's documentation: Your Obsidian theme may have specific instructions for image alignment or custom CSS options.
• Restart Obsidian: After applying any changes, restart Obsidian to ensure that the changes take effect.
• Use the browser's developer tools: If you're still experiencing issues, use your browser's developer tools (usually accessed by pressing F12) to inspect the HTML of your note and diagnose any CSS conflicts.

By employing the HTML methods outlined above, you can reliably center images in your Obsidian notes, regardless of your chosen theme or extensions. Remember to prioritize the HTML method for consistent results.