DocumentationExperience Cloud KCS

Dynamic Media renders incorrect image size or artifacts

Last update: August 18, 2026

Dynamic Media can render images at incorrect sizes, reduce resolution, or display visual artifacts when image server settings or presets are misconfigured. This issue commonly occurs when requests do not include explicit sizing or scaling, parameters, causing Dynamic Media to apply default image server settings. Inconsistent configuration across environments or missing scaling parameters can further impact rendering quality and dimensions. Correcting image server settings, updating presets, and reprocessing assets resolves the issue.

Description description

Environment

  • Dynamic Media
  • Experience Manager as a Cloud Service
  • Experience Manager Managed Services

Issue/Symptoms

  • Images appear smaller than expected dimensions
  • Images are automatically downscaled without explicit sizing parameters
  • Grid-like or checkerboard artifacts appear in rendered images
  • Downloaded renditions do not match original asset dimensions
  • Output resolution or clarity differs between environments
  • Images are reduced even when no preset is applied

Cause

When image requests do not specify width, height, or scaling parameters, Dynamic Media applies default image server settings such as default view size, reply-size limits, and default request attributes. Missing scaling modifiers may cause images to conform to these limits instead of preserving original dimensions. Incorrect resampling modes can introduce visual artifacts, and inconsistent configuration across environments can lead to different rendering results.

Resolution resolution

Follow these steps to resolve

  1. Review the Dynamic Media URL and identify whether sizing or scaling parameters are missing.
  2. Update the default view size or pixel limits in the image server settings to align with expected output dimensions.
  3. Add the scl=1 parameter to ensure images render at original dimensions when required.
  4. Update image presets to use an appropriate resampling mode such as sharp2to avoid visual artifacts.
  5. Ensure image server settings, image presets, and resampling configurations are consistent across all environments.
  6. Validate Smart Imaging behavior if enabled and confirm it does not conflict with expected output.
  7. Reprocess and republish assets to ensure updated configurations are applied.
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