A file path describes the location of a file in a web site's folder structure.
File Path Examples
| Path | Description |
|---|---|
 |
The "picture.jpg" file is located in the same folder as the current page |
 |
The "picture.jpg" file is located in the images folder in the current folder |
 |
The "picture.jpg" file is located in the images folder at the root of the current web |
 |
The "picture.jpg" file is located in the folder one level up from the current folder |
HTML File Paths
A file path describes the location of a file in a web site's folder structure.
File paths are used when linking to external files, like:
- Web pages
- Images
- Style sheets
- JavaScripts
Absolute File Paths
An absolute file path is the full URL to a file:
Example
<img src="https://www.w3schools.com/images/picture.jpg"
alt="Mountain">
Note: The
tag is explained in the chapter: HTML Images.
Relative File Paths
A relative file path points to a file relative to the current page.
In the following example, the file path points to a file in the images folder located at the root of the current website:
Example
<img src="/images/picture.jpg"
alt="Mountain">
In the following example, the file path points to a file in the images folder located in the current folder:
Example
<img src="images/picture.jpg"
alt="Mountain">
In the following example, the file path points to a file in the images folder located in the folder one level up from the current folder:
Example
<img src="../images/picture.jpg"
alt="Mountain">
Best Practice
It is best practice to use relative file paths (if possible).
When using relative file paths, your web pages will not be bound to your current base URL. All links will work on your own computer (localhost) as well as on your current public domain and your future public domains.
