Explore how a very large image becomes a collection of small tiles, one
resolution at a time.
How the pyramid works
The IIIF Image API lets a viewer request just the pieces of an image it needs. Zoom out and
a few coarse tiles cover the image; zoom in and finer tiles reveal more detail.
Each layer shows the same image at a different resolution. 1:1 is full resolution; at 1:4, the image is one quarter as
wide and high. Coarser layers sit above finer ones. Each layer stops
loading finer detail at its own resolution, even when you zoom closer.
Use the pyramid’s settings button to tilt the layers left or right and
choose a stacked or adjacent layout. Wide panoramas align along their
side in the adjacent layout, while the stack adapts its spacing to the
image’s shape. Both layouts show the same resolutions and tiles.
Pink outlines show the image viewport
and active tiles in the pyramid. The grid shows tile boundaries.
Try it yourself
- Explore both views. Pan and zoom either side. The location
button beside the pyramid’s zoom controls turns following the image position
on or off. Use Full view to keep the other as a small inset. Drag the inset’s
title to move it; its full button swaps views while keeping the inset in
place.
- Choose a resolution. Click a layer label, a minimap layer,
or a row in the zoom-level table. Enable Show tile details in Pyramid settings,
then click a tile to see its region, dimensions, and original image link.
- Find your place. Both minimaps show your position. Pyramid
controls include a figure you can drag onto a layer to move the image there.
It starts on for very large pyramids.
- Share your position. Export and share → Share current view
creates a close-up of the figure and its surrounding tiles, plus a link
to both cameras, the current resolution, and your layout. Copy the link,
download the preview, or share them together when your browser supports
it.
- Explore another image or save a view. Open the image chooser
for examples or paste a IIIF image URL, manifest, or Content State. Manifests
include a page selector. Export and share → Download pyramid image exports
the current view or an overview as a PNG.
- Play tile hunt. The gamepad opens five rounds of finding
a tile’s position and resolution. Place the figure on the matching tile
and submit your guess. Accuracy and speed earn points. The question-mark
button reopens the game instructions.
- Embed a pyramid. Export and share → Embed pyramid creates
iframe code with options for the layout, controls, minimaps, and starting
position.
Keyboard shortcuts
- [ Move to the next coarser level.
- ] Move to the next finer level.
- ↑ ↓ ← → Select an adjacent tile.
- Shift + arrow moves ten tiles.
- + / − Zoom in / out; 0 returns to the overview.
- ⌘ / Ctrl + arrow jumps to the end of the row or column.
These shortcuts work in the explorer and Tile Hunt. Level shortcuts move
both views even with following off. Close any open dialog or menu first.
