CSS Border Images

Instead of using plain solid borders, CSS allows you to apply custom images as borders using the border-image property. This feature is perfect for adding a decorative or branded touch to your layout without using extra elements.

What is a Border Image?

The border-image property lets you use an image file (like PNG, JPG, or WEBP) to create the border of an element. This image is sliced and placed along the edges of the element based on values you define.

Basic Syntax

				
					border-image: url(image-path) slice fill repeat;

Example:

				
					<!DOCTYPE html>
<html lang="en">
<head>
  <meta charset="UTF-8">
  <title>Border Image Example – Learn With Arshyan</title>
  <style>
    .decorated-box {
      width: 300px;
      padding: 20px;
      border: 15px solid transparent;
      border-image: url("Image.jpg") 25 round;
      font-size: 18px;
      text-align: center;
      margin: 50px auto;
    }
  </style>
</head>
<body>

  <div class="decorated-box">
    This box uses an image as its border!
  </div>

</body>
</html>

Explanation

border: 15px solid transparent;
You still need to define a border size to apply the image on.
border-image: url(...) 25 round;
- 25 slices the image into parts.
- round tells the image to repeat to fill the entire border evenly.

Customizing the Border

You can control how thick the border appears and how the image fills the border:

				
					border-image: url("frame.png") 40% stretch;

40% sets how much of the image is sliced inward.
stretch fills the sides by stretching the image.

Supported Repeat Types

Value	Effect
`stretch`	Stretches the image to fill the space
`repeat`	Tiles (repeats) the image
`round`	Repeats but resizes the image to fit evenly
`space`	Adds space between images to fill the area

Summary Table

Property	Purpose
`border-image`	Full shorthand for using image borders
`border-image-source`	Defines image path
`border-image-slice`	Slices image into 9 parts
`border-image-repeat`	Controls how border pieces repeat
`border-image-width`	Controls thickness of the border

Learn With Arshyan Tip:

Image borders allow creative freedom for things like certificates, decorative cards, callout boxes, or unique branding. Make sure the image you’re using has a consistent border design around its edges for best results.