Using images with unique aspect ratios in the CMS

Learn how to display CMS images with their original aspect ratios instead of enforcing a fixed ratio across all items.

Framer supports both consistent image layouts and images with unique aspect ratios. Depending on how your collection list is configured, you can either maintain a uniform ratio for all CMS images or preserve each image’s original proportions.

How image aspect ratios work in Framer

By default, Frames in Framer can use a locked aspect ratio. For example, you might create a Frame that is 400 × 300 pixels and lock it to a 4:3 ratio using the aspect ratio lock next to the sizing properties.

When the Frame’s Width is set to Fill, the height automatically adjusts to maintain the locked ratio.

If you use a Frame with a locked aspect ratio inside a Collection List, all CMS images will be displayed using the same ratio. This creates a consistent and predictable layout across your collection.

Display images with their original proportions

If your CMS contains images with different dimensions and aspect ratios, you can use a custom image component designed to preserve each image’s original proportions.

This approach allows images to:

  • Retain their original aspect ratios.

  • Display correctly within Collection Lists.

  • Adapt automatically to different image dimensions.

  • Work inside overlays and other dynamic layouts.

Set up the image component

  1. Open the demo project that includes the custom image component.

  2. Copy the image component into your project.

  3. Connect the component to your CMS image field.

  4. Use the component inside your Collection List instead of a standard image layer.

Once connected, each CMS image will display using its original dimensions rather than being constrained to a shared aspect ratio.

When to use a fixed aspect ratio

A fixed aspect ratio is often the best choice when you want a consistent visual layout, such as:

  • Blog post thumbnails

  • Team member photos

  • Product grids

  • Portfolio galleries

Using a locked ratio ensures all items align neatly regardless of the source image dimensions.

Framer supports both consistent image layouts and images with unique aspect ratios. Depending on how your collection list is configured, you can either maintain a uniform ratio for all CMS images or preserve each image’s original proportions.

How image aspect ratios work in Framer

By default, Frames in Framer can use a locked aspect ratio. For example, you might create a Frame that is 400 × 300 pixels and lock it to a 4:3 ratio using the aspect ratio lock next to the sizing properties.

When the Frame’s Width is set to Fill, the height automatically adjusts to maintain the locked ratio.

If you use a Frame with a locked aspect ratio inside a Collection List, all CMS images will be displayed using the same ratio. This creates a consistent and predictable layout across your collection.

Display images with their original proportions

If your CMS contains images with different dimensions and aspect ratios, you can use a custom image component designed to preserve each image’s original proportions.

This approach allows images to:

  • Retain their original aspect ratios.

  • Display correctly within Collection Lists.

  • Adapt automatically to different image dimensions.

  • Work inside overlays and other dynamic layouts.

Set up the image component

  1. Open the demo project that includes the custom image component.

  2. Copy the image component into your project.

  3. Connect the component to your CMS image field.

  4. Use the component inside your Collection List instead of a standard image layer.

Once connected, each CMS image will display using its original dimensions rather than being constrained to a shared aspect ratio.

When to use a fixed aspect ratio

A fixed aspect ratio is often the best choice when you want a consistent visual layout, such as:

  • Blog post thumbnails

  • Team member photos

  • Product grids

  • Portfolio galleries

Using a locked ratio ensures all items align neatly regardless of the source image dimensions.

FAQ

  • Why are all my CMS images displaying with the same aspect ratio?

    Your Collection List is likely using a Frame with a locked aspect ratio. Any image placed inside that Frame will conform to the same ratio.

  • Can I mix images with different aspect ratios in the same Collection List?

    Yes. Use a custom image component that preserves the original dimensions of each image instead of enforcing a fixed aspect ratio.

  • Do unique aspect ratios work in overlays?

    Yes. Images that preserve their original proportions can also be used within overlays and other dynamic layouts.

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