How to Use
- 1
Upload your image
Click the upload area or drag and drop an image file. Supported formats include JPEG, PNG, GIF, and SVG.
- 2
Select output format (optional)
Choose whether you want the Base64 string with or without the data URL prefix.
- 3
View the converted Base64 string
The Base64 encoded string will appear in the output field after conversion.
- 4
Copy or download the result
Use the copy button to copy the Base64 string to your clipboard for use in your projects.
Click to upload or drag and drop
SVG, PNG, JPG or GIF (max. 5MB)
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Base64 encoding?
Base64 is a binary-to-text encoding scheme that represents binary data (like images) in an ASCII string format. It's commonly used to embed binary data in places where text is expected, such as embedding images directly in HTML, CSS, or JSON without requiring a separate file.
- Why would I convert an image to Base64?
Converting images to Base64 is useful for embedding images directly in HTML, CSS, or JavaScript without requiring a separate HTTP request. This can be beneficial for small images like icons, logos, or simple graphics. It's also useful for sending images in JSON payloads or when you need to include images in environments where file uploads aren't possible.
- Are there any downsides to using Base64 encoded images?
Yes, Base64 encoding increases the file size by approximately 33% compared to the original binary data. This means Base64 encoded images are larger than their file counterparts. Additionally, Base64 encoded images can't be cached separately by browsers like regular image files. For these reasons, Base64 encoding is best used for smaller images or when the benefits of embedding outweigh the size increase.
- What image formats can I convert to Base64?
Our converter supports common image formats including JPEG, PNG, GIF, SVG, and WebP. The resulting Base64 string will include the appropriate MIME type in the data URL prefix (e.g., 'data:image/png;base64,').
- Is there a size limit for the images I can convert?
While there's no strict limit, we recommend keeping images under 1MB for practical use. Very large images will result in extremely long Base64 strings that may cause performance issues in browsers or applications. Additionally, large Base64 strings can increase page load times and memory usage.