What considerations should be made to optimize loading times when using PHP to create header images with multiple images?

To optimize loading times when using PHP to create header images with multiple images, consider combining the images into a sprite sheet. This reduces the number of HTTP requests needed to load the images, resulting in faster loading times. Additionally, make sure to properly compress the images to reduce file size without compromising quality.

<?php
// Combine multiple header images into a sprite sheet
$images = ['image1.jpg', 'image2.jpg', 'image3.jpg'];
$combinedImage = imagecreatetruecolor($width, $height * count($images));

$offset = 0;
foreach ($images as $image) {
    $imageData = imagecreatefromjpeg($image);
    imagecopy($combinedImage, $imageData, 0, $offset, 0, 0, imagesx($imageData), imagesy($imageData));
    $offset += imagesy($imageData);
}

imagejpeg($combinedImage, 'header_sprite.jpg', 90);

// Display the combined header image
echo '<img src="header_sprite.jpg" alt="Combined Header Image">';
?>