Images become misaligned or missing primarily due to rendering problems caused by incorrect paths (where the file is stored), errors in code specifying their location or dimensions, file permission issues, unsupported formats, or loading failures. Misalignment specifically occurs when the surrounding layout instructions force the image to an unintended position, often differing drastically across devices or screen sizes. Missing images usually stem from the file being moved, deleted, unreachable, or incorrectly linked, preventing the display engine from finding it.

For example, in a website, if the image path in the HTML <img> tag points to a file that has been renamed or moved on the server, a broken icon appears instead of the intended picture. In a document processor like Microsoft Word, images often shift position if the text wrapping settings are changed or if the document layout interacts differently on another operating system due to software-specific rendering rules. Email clients frequently block externally hosted images by default for security, causing them to appear missing until the recipient grants permission.

These issues significantly hamper communication and user experience, potentially damaging credibility. Misalignment makes content look unprofessional, while missing images leave crucial visual information gaps. Prevention relies on careful path management, responsive design techniques, reliable hosting, consistent file permissions, and awareness of rendering differences across platforms. Extensive caching can sometimes delay the appearance of updated images even after corrections are made.