Embed formats

Use image links in Markdown, HTML and BBCode

Compare Direct URL, Markdown, HTML and BBCode for the same image, then troubleshoot when an embed does not show.

Upload and copy image URLTemporary image sharing
Direct URLMarkdown / HTML / BBCodeSame demo image

Choose the format from the destination

Most embed problems come from pasting a working link in the wrong syntax. Start from where the image will appear: what does that editor accept, and should it show the image or only link to it?

  • Chat apps, email and support tickets: paste the Direct URL. Many of them show a preview automatically, and the link still works if the preview is blocked.
  • GitHub, GitLab, documentation sites and note apps: use Markdown, and replace the default alt text with a short description of what the image shows, such as a settings page with the save button highlighted.
  • CMS editors and hand-written web pages: use HTML when you need control over size. Adding width="600" to the img tag stops a large screenshot from stretching the layout.
  • Forums running phpBB, vBulletin, MyBB or similar software: use BBCode. Some forums only allow images from approved hosts; if the [img] tag shows an empty box, post the Direct URL as a normal link instead.

Same demo image, four outputs

The examples below use one site-owned demo asset so you can compare formats without relying on an expiring user upload.

Mini Tools demo image
Live preview

If this preview loads, the Direct URL works in a normal browser tab.

https://assets.mini-tools.uk/image/icon-512x512.png
Direct URL

Paste into chat, tickets or tools that ask for an image URL.

https://assets.mini-tools.uk/image/icon-512x512.png
Markdown

Use in GitHub README files, docs and Markdown editors.

![Mini Tools demo](https://assets.mini-tools.uk/image/icon-512x512.png)
HTML

Use only where the editor accepts an img tag.

<img src="https://assets.mini-tools.uk/image/icon-512x512.png" alt="Mini Tools demo">
BBCode

Only for forums that support classic [img] tags.

[img]https://assets.mini-tools.uk/image/icon-512x512.png[/img]

To create formats for your own file, upload on /upload. The web page builds Markdown, HTML and BBCode from the returned Direct URL in the browser.

Do not treat temporary image links as permanent assets in long-lived README files. Long-term use needs approved permanent storage on /upload.

If the image does not display

  1. Direct link fails: confirm the Direct URL opens alone in a new tab.
  2. Wrong format: confirm the destination accepts the format you pasted (Markdown vs HTML vs BBCode).
  3. Expired temporary upload: if retention was temporary, check whether the retention period has ended.
  4. Destination blocks remote images: some sites block hotlinking or strip remote images via CSP or moderation filters.

FAQ

Which format should I copy first?

Start with Direct URL to verify the image loads, then choose Markdown, HTML or BBCode for the destination.

Are Markdown/HTML/BBCode returned by the API?

No. The API returns fields such as success and url. The web upload page builds share formats from the URL in the browser.

Why does Markdown work but HTML does not?

The destination may allow Markdown image syntax while blocking raw HTML tags.

Can I reuse this demo URL forever?

It is a site-maintained asset for format comparison. For your content, upload your own file on /upload.

Should I change the alt text in the Markdown and HTML output?

Yes. The default alt text is generic. A short description of what the image shows helps screen-reader users and is displayed if the image fails to load.

Related tools

Create your own link or read the other specialised guides.