Image to Base64 Converter
Convert images to Base64 encoded strings for embedding in HTML, CSS, or JSON
Introduction
Need to convert an image to Base64 text for embedding in HTML, CSS, or JSON? Upload your image (JPG, PNG, or WEBP) and get the Base64-encoded string instantly. Good for embedding small images directly in HTML (img src), CSS backgrounds (url()), email templates, API requests (JSON payloads), or single-file HTML documents. Everything runs in your browser—your images never get uploaded anywhere, so your files stay private on your device. You get two copy buttons: Copy Full (complete data URL like data:image/png;base64,YOUR_BASE64) for direct use in HTML and CSS, or Copy Base64 Only (just the encoded string) for APIs or databases where you handle the MIME type separately. Important: Base64 encoding increases file size by about 33% (3 bytes of data become 4 text characters). Use Base64 for small images under 10KB like icons, logos, or UI elements where eliminating HTTP requests improves performance. Avoid it for large images because the size increase and inline nature prevent efficient caching. The tool shows the Base64 string length so you can see the encoded size before using it.
Who Should Use This Tool?
- Web developers embedding images in HTML
- CSS developers creating inline backgrounds
- API developers handling image data in JSON
- Email template designers
- Single-page application builders
- Configuration file maintainers
- Mobile app developers
- Anyone needing text-based image encoding
How This Tool Works
This tool uses the JavaScript FileReader API to convert image files into Base64-encoded strings entirely in your browser. When you upload an image, FileReader reads the binary image data and converts it to a Base64 string using the browser's built-in btoa() function (or equivalent modern encoding methods). Base64 encoding works by taking every 3 bytes of binary data and representing them as 4 ASCII characters from a 64-character alphabet (A-Z, a-z, 0-9, +, /). This makes binary data safe for text-based formats. The tool automatically detects the image MIME type (image/jpeg, image/png, or image/webp) and constructs a proper data URL by combining the MIME type, the base64 encoding declaration, and the encoded string (data:image/jpeg;base64,YOUR_ENCODED_DATA). You can copy either the complete data URL ready for HTML/CSS use, or just the Base64 string without the prefix for APIs or databases. The tool displays the encoded string length so you can assess the final size. Because Base64 represents 3 bytes as 4 characters, the encoded size is approximately 133% of the original file size (a 33% increase). This size penalty is why Base64 is recommended only for small images where eliminating separate HTTP requests provides greater benefit than the size increase costs. All conversion happens locally—your images never leave your device, ensuring complete privacy. The process is instant, converting images in milliseconds. The tool supports up to 10MB files, sufficient for most practical Base64 use cases, though best practice suggests keeping Base64 images under 10KB for optimal performance.
Try Image to Base64 Converter Now
Use the interactive tool below to get instant results
Upload Image to Convert
Drag and drop an image here, or click to select
Supported formats: JPG, PNG, WEBP (Max 10MB)
About Base64 Encoding
What is Base64?
Base64 is a binary-to-text encoding scheme that represents binary data in ASCII string format. It's commonly used to embed images directly in HTML, CSS, or JSON files.
- Encodes binary data as text
- Safe for use in URLs and text files
- Increases file size by ~33%
Common Use Cases
- Embedding images in HTML/CSS without separate files
- Storing images in JSON or XML data
- Transmitting images via APIs or email
- Reducing HTTP requests by inlining images
Data URL Format
data:[MIME type][;charset=encoding][;base64],dataMIME type: image/jpeg, image/png, image/webp
base64: Indicates Base64 encoding
data: The actual Base64-encoded image data
How to Use Image to Base64 Converter
Upload Your Image File
Drag and drop an image file onto the upload area, or click to open a file browser and select an image from your device. Supported formats include JPG/JPEG, PNG, and WEBP with a maximum file size of 10MB. The tool displays the uploaded image immediately for preview and shows the file format and size information before conversion begins.
View Base64 Output
The tool instantly converts your image to Base64 encoding and displays the results in three sections: the data URL prefix (e.g., data:image/png;base64,), the Base64-encoded string itself, and the complete data URL combining both parts. The Base64 string length is shown to help you evaluate the encoded size. All output appears immediately after upload without requiring additional button clicks.
Copy Desired Format
Use the 'Copy Full' button to copy the complete data URL including the prefix (data:image/jpeg;base64,YOUR_BASE64), ready to use directly in HTML img src attributes or CSS url() values. Alternatively, click 'Copy Base64 Only' to copy just the encoded string without the prefix, useful when sending image data to APIs or storing in databases where the MIME type is handled separately.
Use in Your Project
Paste the copied Base64 string into your HTML, CSS, or JavaScript code following the usage examples provided by the tool. The complete data URL works directly in img src attributes and CSS background-image properties. The Base64-only format is ideal for JSON payloads, API requests, or database storage where you manage the MIME type information separately from the image data.
Use Cases for Image to Base64 Converter
Embed Images in HTML
Include images directly in HTML files using data URLs in img src attributes, eliminating separate image file dependencies. Perfect for creating single-file HTML documents, email templates that display images without external hosting, or reducing HTTP requests in web applications by embedding small icons and logos inline.
CSS Background Images
Use Base64-encoded images as CSS background images to eliminate external file dependencies and reduce server requests. Ideal for small repeating patterns, icons, or decorative elements that don't change frequently. Embedding images in CSS ensures they're cached with the stylesheet and load immediately without additional network requests.
API Image Transmission
Store or transmit images as Base64 strings in JSON payloads for REST APIs. This is essential when APIs expect text-based data formats but need to handle image content. Common in form submissions, profile updates, document uploads, or any scenario where images must be included in JSON requests or responses.
Email Marketing Images
Embed images in HTML email templates using Base64 data URLs to ensure images display correctly even when recipients have external images blocked by default. This improves email rendering consistency across different email clients and eliminates dependency on external image hosting that might go offline or track opens.
Configuration Files
Include small images like icons, logos, or favicons directly in configuration files, manifest files, or application metadata as Base64 strings. This simplifies deployment by bundling visual assets with configuration data and ensures images are always available without separate file management or path resolution.
Key Features
Instant Conversion
Convert images to Base64 encoded strings instantly with no delays.
Multiple Formats
Support for JPG, PNG, and WEBP image formats with automatic detection.
Easy Upload
Drag and drop file upload with click-to-browse fallback for convenience.
Data URL Copy
Copy complete data URL with prefix included for direct HTML/CSS use.
Base64 String Copy
Copy Base64 string only without data URL prefix for flexible integration.
Live Preview
Live image preview after upload to verify the correct file was selected.
Format Display
Display complete data URL format for reference and understanding.
Length Information
Show Base64 string length for size estimation and optimization planning.
File Details
File size and format information display for better file management.
Code Examples
Usage examples for HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to help with implementation.
Large File Support
Maximum 10MB file size support for most image conversion needs.
Client-Side Processing
Complete client-side processing - no uploads, your images never leave your device.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Base64 image encoding?
Base64 encoding converts binary image data into a text string using 64 printable ASCII characters (A-Z, a-z, 0-9, +, /). This makes binary images safe to include in text-based formats like HTML, CSS, JSON, or XML. The encoding represents every 3 bytes of binary data as 4 text characters, making it universally compatible with text-based systems while maintaining image integrity.
What is a data URL and when should I use it?
A data URL is a complete URI scheme formatted as 'data:[MIME type];base64,[data]' that embeds data directly in documents. For images, it includes the image type (like image/jpeg), specifies Base64 encoding, and contains the encoded image data. Use complete data URLs in HTML img src attributes and CSS url() properties. Use Base64-only strings when the MIME type is managed separately, such as in API payloads or database storage.
Why does Base64 encoding increase file size?
Base64 encoding increases file size by approximately 33% because it represents 3 bytes of binary data using 4 ASCII characters. This is the tradeoff for making binary data text-safe and compatible with text-based formats. While individual file size increases, embedding small images can reduce total page load time by eliminating HTTP requests and leveraging parent file caching.
When should I use Base64 images?
Use Base64 for small images under 10KB like icons, logos, small graphics, or UI elements where eliminating HTTP requests improves performance. It's also valuable for email templates (bypass external image blocking), API data transmission (JSON-based image upload), single-file HTML documents, or bundling assets with configuration files. Avoid Base64 for large images as the 33% size increase and inline nature prevent efficient caching and can hurt performance.
Are my uploaded images kept private?
Yes, completely private. All image encoding happens entirely in your browser using the JavaScript FileReader API. Your images are never uploaded to any server, transmitted over any network, or stored anywhere. The images exist only in your browser's memory during encoding and are discarded when you close or refresh the page. This ensures absolute privacy for your visual content.