Image to Base64
Convert image files into Base64 text directly in your browser. Generate raw Base64 or a full Data URL, preview the image, copy the result, or download it as a text file.
Image to Base64 tool
Enable the prefix for a self-contained string such as data:image/png;base64,.... Disable it when you only need the raw Base64 portion.
Learn more about images
Image format and optimization choices affect file size, quality, loading speed, and whether Base64 is the right approach.
How image to Base64 conversion works
This tool reads the selected image locally with the browser FileReader API and converts it into a Base64 string. You can keep the full Data URL prefix or output only the raw Base64 data.
- Raw Base64: useful when another system expects only encoded file content
- Data URL: useful when pasting the result directly into HTML, CSS, previews, or small prototypes
- Size note: Base64 text is usually larger than the original image file
- Best use case: small images, test payloads, inline examples, and quick development snippets
For production websites, use Base64 carefully. Large inline image strings can make pages harder to maintain and may increase document size.
Examples
- HTML embedding: generate a Data URL and place it in an
img srcattribute - CSS usage: use a small Data URL inside
background-image: url(...) - API testing: send raw Base64 in a JSON request when testing upload endpoints
- Documentation: include a small sample image inside a technical note or example payload
FAQ
- What is Base64?
Base64 is a text encoding format that represents binary file data using plain text characters. It is commonly used when binary data needs to fit inside text-based formats.
- What is the difference between raw Base64 and a Data URL?
Raw Base64 contains only the encoded data. A Data URL includes a prefix such as data:image/png;base64, so it can be pasted directly into HTML, CSS, or some API fields.
- Is my image uploaded?
No. The image is read and converted locally in your browser. It is not uploaded or stored by this tool.
- Does Base64 make image files smaller?
No. Base64 usually increases the text size compared with the original binary file. It is useful for embedding and transport, not compression.
- When should I use a Data URL?
Use a Data URL when you want a self-contained string for an img src, CSS url(), HTML prototype, or small inline asset.
- Should I Base64 encode large images?
Usually no. Large Base64 strings can make HTML, CSS, JSON, or API payloads harder to manage. For production websites, separate optimized image files are often better.