---
title: Export with Image Optimization API
---

## Why This Error Occurred

You configured `output: 'export'` (or ran `next export`) while importing the `next/image` component using the default `loader` configuration.

However, the default `loader` relies on the Image Optimization API which is not available for exported applications.

This is because Next.js optimizes images on-demand, as users request them (not at build time).

## Possible Ways to Fix It

- Use [`next start`](/docs/pages/api-reference/next-cli#production) to run a server, which includes the Image Optimization API.
- Use any provider which supports Image Optimization (such as [Vercel](https://vercel.com)).
- [Configure `loader`](/docs/pages/api-reference/components/image#loader) in `next.config.js`.
- [Configure `unoptimized`](/docs/pages/api-reference/components/image#unoptimized) in `next.config.js`.

## Useful Links

- [Deployment Documentation](/docs/pages/building-your-application/deploying#managed-nextjs-with-vercel)
- [Image Optimization Documentation](/docs/pages/building-your-application/optimizing/images)
- [`output: 'export'` Documentation](/docs/pages/building-your-application/deploying/static-exports)
- [`next/image` Documentation](/docs/pages/api-reference/components/image)
- [Vercel Documentation](https://vercel.com/docs/concepts/next.js/image-optimization)
