About Image to Base64 Converter

Our Image to Base64 Converter is a free online tool that transforms any image file into a Base64 encoded string. This is essential for embedding images directly in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, JSON APIs, email templates, and more. Simply upload your image and get instant Base64 encoding with options for data URI format.

Supported Image Formats

PNG - Portable Network Graphics (with transparency)
JPEG/JPG - Compressed image format for photos
GIF - Graphics Interchange Format (animated & static)
SVG - Scalable Vector Graphics
WebP - Modern web image format
BMP - Bitmap image files
ICO - Icon files

How to Convert Images to Base64

Upload Image: Click "Upload Image" or drag and drop your image file
Preview: See your image preview with file details (name, type, size)
Choose Format: Toggle to include or exclude the data URI prefix
Copy/Download: Copy the Base64 string to clipboard or download as a .txt file
Use Anywhere: Paste the Base64 string in your HTML, CSS, JSON, or code

Common Use Cases

HTML/CSS Embedding: Embed images directly in HTML or CSS without separate files
JSON APIs: Send images as Base64 strings in REST API requests/responses
Email Templates: Include images in HTML emails without external hosting
Data Storage: Store images in databases as text fields
JavaScript/React: Use images as data URIs in components and scripts
Offline Applications: Bundle images within HTML documents for offline use
Testing: Mock image data in automated tests and fixtures

Understanding Data URI Format

A Data URI (Uniform Resource Identifier) embeds image data directly in HTML or CSS. The format includes the MIME type and Base64 encoding:

data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAUA...

Our tool lets you choose between the full data URI format (ready to use in HTML/CSS) or just the Base64 string (for APIs and databases).

Features of Our Image Encoder

🚀 Instant Encoding

Convert images to Base64 instantly with real-time preview

🎨 All Image Types

Support for PNG, JPG, GIF, SVG, WebP, BMP, and more

⚙️ Flexible Output

Choose between data URI format or raw Base64 string

🔒 100% Private

All encoding happens in your browser - images never leave your device

📋 Easy Copy

One-click copy to clipboard for quick use in your projects

💾 Download Option

Save Base64 output as .txt file for later use

Example Usage in Code

Here's how to use Base64 encoded images in different contexts:

HTML Image Tag:

<img src="data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGg..." alt="My Image" />

CSS Background:

.bg { background-image: url('data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGg...'); }

JSON API:

{ "avatar": "iVBORw0KGgoAAAA..." }

Frequently Asked Questions

Why convert images to Base64?

Base64 encoding allows you to embed images directly in HTML, CSS, or JSON without needing separate image files. This is useful for small icons, email templates, API payloads, and reducing HTTP requests.

What's the difference between data URI and raw Base64?

A data URI includes the MIME type and "data:image/png;base64," prefix, ready for direct use in HTML/CSS. Raw Base64 is just the encoded string, useful for APIs and databases where you manage the format separately.

Are there file size limitations?

While there's no hard limit, remember that Base64 encoding increases file size by ~33%. Large images may cause performance issues. For production sites, use Base64 only for small images (<10KB recommended).

Is Base64 encoding secure?

Base64 is an encoding method, not encryption. It doesn't provide security - anyone can decode Base64 strings. Don't use it to hide sensitive image content. All processing happens client-side for privacy.

Can I convert transparent PNG images?

Yes! Our tool fully supports PNG images with transparency. The Base64 encoding preserves all image properties including transparency, making it perfect for logos and icons.

How do I use Base64 images in React?

In React, you can use Base64 images directly in the src attribute:<img src={base64String} alt="..." />or as inline styles for backgrounds.

Should I use Base64 for all images on my website?

No. Base64 is best for small images, icons, and when you need to reduce HTTP requests. For larger images, regular image files with CDN hosting provide better performance, caching, and bandwidth efficiency.

Can I encode animated GIFs?

Yes! Animated GIFs can be encoded to Base64 and will maintain their animation when decoded and displayed. However, GIF files are typically larger, so be mindful of file size.

💡 Pro Tip

For optimal performance, use Base64 encoding for images under 10KB (like small icons, logos, or UI elements). For larger images, consider using a CDN with proper caching headers. You can also lazy-load Base64 images in JavaScript to avoid blocking initial page render.

Image to Base64 Converter

Image Input

Base64 Output