Below fold images should address a specific problem. Off-screen images compete with the content a visitor needs first. A useful brief identifies the decision to make and the evidence needed to assess it.
Plan below fold images around the task
Defer appropriate below-the-fold images while preserving layout and useful alternatives. For website owners and delivery teams, the brief should explain what will be different for the person using or maintaining the implementation.
A realistic planning example
A long portfolio page prioritizes its introduction before downloading every project image at full resolution. Treat this as an illustrative scenario. The right response still depends on the audience, constraints and evidence available for your own project.
A practical review sequence
- Identify off-screen media. Agree who owns this check and what evidence is needed before the work can be considered ready.
- Reserve image space. Use realistic material instead of an idealized placeholder, then note anything that becomes unclear.
- Test scrolling behavior. Check both the ordinary case and a less convenient variation so the rule is useful beyond the presentation.
Check below fold images before approval
Use a reproducible test with recorded inputs to make the decision visible. Verify the behavior in an appropriate test environment before changing the live site. Include an ordinary successful journey and at least one failure condition. Record the environment and what was observed so another team member can repeat the check. A local result does not automatically establish production behavior.
A common mistake to avoid
Avoid treating one tool score or a successful screenshot as complete verification. Delivery depends on hosting, configuration, content and interactions working together. Investigate the specific problem before adding a new dependency or making a change that affects unrelated parts of the site.
Your next step
For below fold images, keep the review tied to the original problem. Use the website maintenance guide to prepare the wider brief, or explore web development services if you need help defining the work.
Further reading: Loading guidance and Performance guide. These resources provide broader background; adapt the practical review to your specific situation.