Filter Hook since 2.8.0

wp_get_attachment_image_attributes

Filters the HTML attributes of an image rendered by wp_get_attachment_image()

Description

wp_get_attachment_image_attributes touches every image WordPress renders through its own media functions — including inside blocks and thumbnails — so scope changes carefully.

When it runs

Any time WordPress builds an image tag through its attachment image functions — featured images, block images, media library output.

Signature

apply_filters( 'wp_get_attachment_image_attributes', array $attr, WP_Post $attachment, string|array $size );

Parameters

$attr array — Image HTML attributes.
$attachment WP_Post — Attachment post object.
$size string|array — Requested image size.

Examples

Basic

add_filter( 'wp_get_attachment_image_attributes', function( $attr ) {
    $attr['loading'] = 'lazy';
    $attr['decoding'] = 'async';
    return $attr;
} );

Force lazy-loading and async decoding on every attachment image.

Common Use Cases

Add loading="lazy" or fetchpriority attributes
Override alt text site-wide
Add custom data-* attributes for a lightbox script

Common mistakes

Overriding src/srcset without preserving responsive sizes — can break responsive image behavior added since WP 4.4

Related hooks

Works with upload_mimes

FAQ

Does this filter affect images pasted as raw HTML in the editor?

No — only images rendered through WordPress's own attachment image functions (wp_get_attachment_image and friends), not raw <img> HTML.

Source: wp-includes/media.php

Group wizard

One session: this hook, then each related_hooks entry. Walk it and tell us what to change.

wp_get_attachment_image_attributes → upload_mimes

functions.php — wp_get_attachment_image_attributes

functions.php

<?php
/**
 * Practice: hook into wp_get_attachment_image_attributes
 */
add_filter( 'wp_get_attachment_image_attributes', function( $attr, $attachment, $size ) {
	// Write your callback here. Always return the value.

	return $attr;
} );

Group tour

wp_get_attachment_image_attributes · Hook 1 of 2 · Step 1 of 6

Meet wp_get_attachment_image_attributes

Filters the HTML attributes of an image rendered by wp_get_attachment_image()

wp_get_attachment_image_attributes touches every image WordPress renders through its own media functions — including inside blocks and thumbnails — so scope changes carefully.

type filterphase templatesince 2.8.0source wp-includes/media.php

apply_filters( 'wp_get_attachment_image_attributes', array $attr, WP_Post $attachment, string|array $size );

add_filter( 'wp_get_attachment_image_attributes', function( $attr ) {
    $attr['loading'] = 'lazy';
    $attr['decoding'] = 'async';
    return $attr;
} );

PHP wp_get_attachment_image_attributes · Hook 1 of 2 · Step 1 of 6

Practice the wp_get_attachment_image_attributes WordPress filter hook in our interactive sandbox — a VS Code-style editor with a step-by-step wp_get_attachment_image_attributes tutorial, add_filter exercises, and instant feedback. No local WordPress install required.