Convert Image to Base64
Convert your images to Base64 encoded strings for embedding directly in CSS, HTML, or as data URIs. Our free online tool makes it easy to generate Base64 strings for web development.
Drop your image here or click to browse
Supports PNG, JPG, GIF, SVG, WEBP and other image formats (max 2MB)
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How to Use Image to Base64 Converter
Upload Your Image
Drop your image file in the upload area or click "Browse Files" to select from your device. Our tool accepts most common image formats including PNG, JPG, GIF, SVG, and WebP.
Choose Output Options
Select your preferred output format (Data URI or Base64 only) and usage context (HTML, CSS, or raw) to get the Base64 string in the most suitable format for your needs.
Convert to Base64
Click the "Convert to Base64" button to start the conversion process. The encoding happens entirely in your browser - no files are uploaded to our servers.
Copy and Use
Once conversion is complete, preview the result and click "Copy to Clipboard" to copy the Base64 string. You can now paste it directly into your HTML, CSS, or other code.
About Base64 Encoding
Base64 is a binary-to-text encoding scheme that represents binary data in an ASCII string format. It's commonly used when there is a need to encode binary data for storage or transfer in environments that only support text, such as embedding image data in HTML or CSS.
Why Convert Images to Base64?
- • Reduced HTTP Requests: Embedding images directly in HTML/CSS eliminates the need for separate file requests, potentially improving page load times for small images.
- • Self-Contained Files: HTML files with Base64 images can be shared as a single file without needing external image files.
- • Offline Applications: Perfect for web applications that need to work offline, as all resources are embedded in the code.
- • Email Embedding: Base64 encoded images can be included in email templates where external image loading might be blocked.
- • Data URIs: Used in browsers to embed image data directly in webpages using the data URI scheme.
Key Considerations:
- • Increased Size: Base64 encoding increases the file size by approximately 33% compared to the binary format.
- • Browser Caching: Unlike external image files, Base64 encoded images cannot be cached separately by browsers.
- • Best for Small Images: Base64 is most efficient for small images like icons, logos, or simple graphics.
- • No Separate Download: Base64 images load with the HTML/CSS, avoiding additional network requests.
- • Compatibility: Supported by all modern browsers, making it a reliable encoding method for web development.
Did You Know?
Base64's Origins
Base64 was originally designed for MIME email encoding to ensure binary data (like images or attachments) could be transmitted through systems that only support ASCII characters. It was formalized in RFC 1421 back in 1993.
Character Set
Base64 uses exactly 64 characters (hence the name): uppercase A-Z, lowercase a-z, digits 0-9, and the symbols + and /. The = character is also used as a padding character to ensure the data length is a multiple of 4.
Data URI Scheme
When embedding Base64 images in HTML or CSS, the data URI scheme (data:) is used. The full format is: data:[<media type>][;base64],<data>. For example, a PNG image might start with data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGg...
Size Limitations
While Base64 encoding is useful, some browsers have limitations on the length of URLs (which includes data URIs used in CSS). Internet Explorer 8, for instance, has a 32KB limit for data URIs, which is why it's best to use Base64 primarily for smaller images.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Our tool supports image files up to 2MB in size. This limit is set to ensure optimal performance and reasonable string lengths. For larger images, you might want to consider compressing or resizing them first using our Image Compressor or Image Resizer tools before converting to Base64. Keep in mind that Base64 encoding increases the file size by approximately 33%, so a 2MB image will result in about 2.7MB of Base64 text.
The "Data URI" format includes the full data URI scheme prefix (e.g., data:image/png;base64,) followed by the Base64 encoded data. This format is ready to use in HTML img tags or CSS background-image properties. The "Base64 only" format provides just the encoded string without the prefix, which might be useful in some programming contexts or when you need to manipulate the string further before using it.
No, all image processing happens entirely in your browser. Your files never leave your device or get uploaded to our servers. This ensures complete privacy and security for your images. The Base64 conversion is done using JavaScript's built-in FileReader API and btoa() function, which run locally in your browser. This also means you can use this tool even when you're offline after the page has loaded.
For HTML: Insert the Data URI in an img tag's src attribute:
<img src="data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGg..." alt="Image" />
For CSS: Use it in a background-image property:
background-image: url('data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGg...');
For JavaScript: You can use the string in various ways, such as:
const img = new Image(); img.src = 'data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGg...';
Base64 encoded images are best used in specific scenarios: 1) For small images like icons, logos, or simple graphics (typically under 10KB), 2) When reducing HTTP requests is critical for performance, 3) For offline applications where all resources need to be embedded, 4) In email templates where external images might be blocked, or 5) When creating self-contained HTML files that don't require external resources. For larger images or those that appear repeatedly across your site, traditional image files are usually more efficient due to browser caching and smaller file sizes.
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