Check the Image Loading Order

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 52 views

BUG: Images Flicker During HTMX Page Transition in the Preload Extension

HTMX is a popular JavaScript library that enables you to create fast and seamless user experiences by leveraging the power of web technologies. One of its key features is the preload extension, which allows you to prefetch images and other resources before they are needed, reducing the time it takes for pages to load. However, some users have reported a bug where images flicker during page transitions in Firefox, even when properly preloaded. In this article, we will explore this issue in detail and provide suggestions to prevent it.

The issue is specific to Firefox and occurs when using the preload extension with HTMX. When a user clicks on a link or refreshes the page, the images briefly flash a white background before appearing. This is not a problem when the images are cached, but it can be frustrating for users who experience it.

To reproduce the issue, you can use the following HTML code:

<!DOCTYPE html>
<html lang="fr">
<head>
    <meta charset="UTF-8">
    <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0">
    <title>HTMX SPA</title>
    <script src="https://unpkg.com/htmx.org@1.9.6"></script>
    <script src="https://unpkg.com/htmx.org/dist/ext/preload.js"></script>
</head>
<body hx-ext="preload">
    <nav>
        <a href="/home" hx-get="/pages/home.html" hx-target="#content" preload-images="true" preload="mouseover">Home</a>
        <a href="/about" hx-get="/pages/about.html" hx-target="#content" preload-images="true" preload="mouseover">About</a>
        <a href="/contact" hx-get="/pages/contact.html" hx-target="#content" preload-images="true" preload="mouseover">Contact</a>
    </nav>
    <div id="content" hx-get="/pages/home.html" hx-trigger="load"></div>
</body>
</html>

This code uses the HTMX library and the preload extension to prefetch images and other resources before they are needed.

Here are some additional details about the issue:

Images and links are correctly prefetched in Firefox.
When clicking a link, images briefly flash (white background) before appearing.
This only happens in Firefox, works fine in other browsers.
The preload-images="true" attribute is already being used.

Based on the issue description and the example code, here are some suggestions to prevent the image flickering during page transitions in Firefox:

1. Use a Different Browser

If you are experiencing the issue in Firefox, try using a different browser, such as Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge. This will help you determine if the issue is specific to Firefox or if it is a more general problem.

2. Check the Image Loading Order

Make sure that the images are being loaded in the correct order. You can use the browser's developer tools to inspect the image loading order and ensure that it is correct.

3. Use a Different Preload Method

Try using a different preload method, such as preload="load" instead of preload="mouseover". This may help prevent the image flickering during page transitions.

4. Optimize Image Loading

Optimize the image loading process by using techniques such as lazy loading or image caching. This can help reduce the time it takes for images to load and prevent flickering.

5. Check for Browser Extensions

Check if any browser extensions are interfering with the image loading process. Try disabling any extensions that may be causing the issue.

6. Update HTMX and Preload Extension

Make sure that you are using the latest version of HTMX and the preload extension. Updating to the latest version may resolve the issue.

7. Customize the Preload Extension

Customize the preload extension to suit your specific needs. You can modify the extension's code to prevent the image flickering during page transitions.

8. Use a Different Library

Consider using a different library, such as React or Angular, to create your web application. These libraries have built-in features for optimizing image loading and may help prevent the issue.

The image flickering during page transitions in Firefox is a known issue with the HTMX preload extension. While it may be frustrating for users, there are several suggestions that can help prevent the issue. By following these suggestions, you can create a seamless user experience for your web application users.

For more information about the HTMX library and the preload extension, please visit the following resources:

By following these resources and the suggestions outlined in this article, you can create a fast and seamless user experience for your web application users.
Q&A: BUG - Images Flicker During HTMX Page Transition in the Preload Extension

In our previous article, we discussed the issue of images flickering during page transitions in Firefox when using the HTMX preload extension. We provided several suggestions to prevent this issue, but we also received many questions from our readers. In this article, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about this issue.

A: The cause of the image flickering during page transitions in Firefox is not yet fully understood. However, it is believed to be related to the way that Firefox handles image loading and caching. When an image is loaded, Firefox may display a white background before the image is fully loaded, which can cause the flickering effect.

A: This issue is specific to Firefox and has not been reported in other browsers. However, it is possible that other browsers may experience similar issues in the future.

A: There are several ways to prevent the image flickering during page transitions in Firefox. Some of the suggestions we provided earlier include:

Using a different browser
Checking the image loading order
Using a different preload method
Optimizing image loading
Checking for browser extensions
Updating HTMX and the preload extension
Customizing the preload extension
Using a different library

A: Yes, you can use the HTMX preload extension with other libraries. However, you may need to customize the extension to work with your specific library.

A: You can customize the HTMX preload extension by modifying its code. You can also use the extension's API to customize its behavior.

A: Yes, you can use the HTMX preload extension with React or Angular. However, you may need to customize the extension to work with your specific library.

A: You can report a bug or issue with the HTMX preload extension by creating a new issue on the HTMX GitHub repository. You can also contact the HTMX team directly for support.

A: Yes, the HTMX preload extension is open-source. You can view its code on the HTMX GitHub repository.

We hope that this Q&A article has helped to answer some of the most frequently asked questions about the image flickering during page transitions in Firefox when using the HTMX preload extension. If you have any further questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us.

For more information about the HTMX library and the preload extension, please visit the following resources:

By following these resources and the suggestions outlined in this article, you can create a fast and seamless user experience for your web application users.