diff --git a/web/base_viewer.js b/web/base_viewer.js
index 0ad5257b2..3c6f169f5 100644
--- a/web/base_viewer.js
+++ b/web/base_viewer.js
@@ -172,7 +172,10 @@ class BaseViewer {
         throw new Error("Invalid `container` and/or `viewer` option.");
       }
 
-      if (getComputedStyle(this.container).position !== "absolute") {
+      if (
+        this.container.offsetParent &&
+        getComputedStyle(this.container).position !== "absolute"
+      ) {
         throw new Error("The `container` must be absolutely positioned.");
       }
     }