Image to Base64
Convert any image to a Base64 encoded string for embedding in HTML or CSS. All processing happens in your browser.
Drop your image here, or click to browse
Supports JPEG, PNG, WebP, GIF
How to Convert Images to Base64
- 1
Upload Your Image
Select any JPEG, PNG, or WebP image file.
- 2
Get Base64 String
The tool instantly generates the Base64 encoded string.
- 3
Choose Format
Copy as raw Base64 or as a ready-to-use data URI for HTML/CSS.
- 4
Use in Code
Paste the string directly into your HTML, CSS, or JavaScript.
What is Base64 Image Encoding?
Base64 encoding converts binary image data into a text string using ASCII characters. This allows images to be embedded directly in HTML, CSS, or JSON without separate file requests.
Data URIs (data:image/png;base64,...) let you inline images in your code, eliminating HTTP requests and making your page self-contained. This is particularly useful for small icons, logos, and email templates.
While Base64 increases the data size by about 33%, the trade-off is worthwhile for small images where avoiding an extra HTTP request improves performance. For images over 10KB, linking to a file is usually more efficient.
Key Features
Common Use Cases
- •Embed small icons directly in CSS to reduce HTTP requests
- •Include images in HTML email templates that work across email clients
- •Store image data in JSON configuration files or databases
- •Create self-contained HTML files with embedded images
- •Pass image data through text-only APIs or protocols
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Base64 string larger than the original file?
Base64 encoding converts binary data to text using 6 bits per character instead of 8, resulting in approximately 33% larger output. This is the trade-off for text-based embedding.
When should I use Base64 images?
Use Base64 for small images (under 10KB) like icons and logos to reduce HTTP requests. For larger images, linking to files is more efficient because Base64 bloats HTML size and can't be cached independently.
What is a data URI?
A data URI (data:image/png;base64,...) is a Base64 string prefixed with MIME type information. It can be used directly in HTML img src attributes or CSS background-image properties.
Can I convert Base64 back to an image?
Yes. Use our Base64 to Image tool to decode Base64 strings back into downloadable image files.