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HTML

Posted by Callum Anderson
Callum Anderson
8,837 Points

When would you use a sprite map?

In this example, I'd say it isn't worthwhile using a sprite map as the difference in load times is negligible. How often are they used in the "real world"?

I'd hazard a guess at the use of sprite maps being mainly on sites with large amounts of data on a single page, most likely in tabular format?

1 Answer

Michael Hulet
Michael Hulet
47,913 Points
Michael Hulet
Michael Hulet
47,913 Points

I use them whenever I can to save HTTP requests, including on my super basic website. The icons for the various social networks I link to are all on a single spritesheet, courtesy of Compass

Callum Anderson
Callum Anderson
8,837 Points

Thanks, but that doesn't really answer why you use them. On your basic website, the image is the biggest bottleneck so the sprite map seems irrelevant. That's not to say it shouldn't be used if it reduces the load by a fraction of a second.

It just occurred to me that sprite maps would help reduce load on the web server, when multiple users are browsing the site concurrently. Perhaps that's another consideration.