Image to Base64 Converter
Convert images to Base64 encoded strings
Image to Base64 Converter
Privacy Notice
All image processing happens entirely in your browser. Your images never leave your device, ensuring complete privacy and security. Base64 encoding converts your image into a text string that can be embedded directly in HTML or CSS.
Your Privacy is Protected
All processing happens entirely in your browser. No data is stored, transmitted, or tracked. Your information remains completely private and secure on your device.
About Image to Base64 Converter
Convert images to Base64 encoded strings with our image to Base64 converter tool. Base64 encoding transforms image files into text strings that can be embedded directly in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, JSON, or any text-based format. Perfect for developers creating data URIs, embedding small images inline, reducing HTTP requests, working with APIs requiring Base64 input, and creating self-contained HTML documents. Supports JPG, PNG, GIF, WebP, SVG, and other image formats with instant browser-based conversion ensuring privacy. The tool generates properly formatted data URIs ready for HTML/CSS use, provides plain Base64 strings for APIs and databases, shows file size comparison, and includes one-click copying. Essential for web developers optimizing performance, email template designers embedding images, API developers preparing image payloads, and anyone needing image-to-text conversion.
Key Features
All Image Formats
Convert JPG, PNG, GIF, WebP, BMP, SVG, and more to Base64. Preserves original format in the encoded output.
Data URI Generation
Generates complete data URIs ready for HTML/CSS use: data:image/png;base64,... Copy and paste directly into code.
Plain Base64 Output
Option for just the Base64 string without data URI prefix. Perfect for JSON payloads, APIs, or database storage.
Instant Preview
See image preview and Base64 output simultaneously. Verify conversion before using the encoded string.
Size Comparison
Shows original file size vs. Base64 string size. Base64 is ~33% larger - understand the trade-off.
Browser-Based Encoding
All processing in your browser - no file uploads. Complete privacy for sensitive images.
How to Use Image to Base64 Converter
Upload Image
Click to upload or drag-and-drop your image file. Accepts all common image formats including JPG, PNG, GIF, and WebP.
Automatic Conversion
The tool instantly converts your image to Base64 encoding. Processing happens entirely in your browser for privacy.
Choose Output Format
Choose between full data URI (complete with mime type) or plain Base64 string depending on your use case.
Preview and Check Size
Preview the image and check file size increase. Base64 encoding increases size by about 33% - verify this is acceptable.
Copy Result
Copy the Base64 string or data URI with one click. The encoded string is ready to use in your code.
Paste and Use
Paste the Base64 string into your HTML, CSS, JavaScript, JSON, or wherever you need the embedded image data.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why convert images to Base64?
Base64 encoding allows binary image data to be represented as text. This enables embedding images in HTML/CSS, transmitting images in JSON, storing images in text-based systems, and creating self-contained documents without external image files.
What are data URIs?
Data URIs are URLs that contain the actual data instead of a path: 'data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KG...'. They embed images directly in HTML/CSS, eliminating separate HTTP requests for small images.
Does Base64 increase file size?
Yes, Base64 encoding increases size by approximately 33%. A 100KB image becomes ~133KB as Base64. This overhead is the cost of text representation. Only use Base64 for small images where benefits outweigh size increase.
Should I use Base64 for large images?
No. Large Base64-encoded images bloat HTML/CSS files, increase page size, and slow loading. Use Base64 only for small images (under 10-20KB). For larger images, use standard IMG tags with file references.
Can I embed Base64 images in CSS?
Yes! Use data URIs in CSS background-image property: background-image: url(data:image/png;base64,...); Perfect for small background images, icons, and decorative elements.
Are Base64-encoded images cached by browsers?
Base64 images embedded in HTML/CSS are cached as part of the HTML/CSS file, not separately. This means they load with the page but don't benefit from individual caching. For reused images across pages, regular files may be better.
How do I use Base64 images in React or JavaScript?
Set image src to the data URI: <img src='data:image/png;base64,...' />. Or in React: <img src={`data:image/png;base64,${base64String}`} />. JavaScript handles data URIs like any other image source.
Is Base64 encoding secure?
Base64 is encoding, not encryption - it provides zero security. Anyone can decode Base64 strings to view the original image. Don't use Base64 to hide or protect sensitive images.
Use Cases
- Inline Image Embedding: Embed small images directly in HTML/CSS to reduce HTTP requests. Great for icons, logos, and small graphics. Improves initial page load by eliminating separate image requests.
- Email Template Development: Embed images in HTML emails as data URIs. Ensures images display without external references or blocked content in email clients.
- API Development: Send images in JSON payloads as Base64 strings. Many APIs require Base64-encoded images for uploads, profile pictures, or document processing.
- Self-Contained HTML Files: Create standalone HTML files with embedded images. Perfect for offline documentation, presentations, or single-file demos.
- Database Storage: Store small images as text in databases. Base64 encoding allows image storage in text fields without BLOB columns.