Free Image to Base64 Converter
Convert images to Base64 encoded strings instantly. Supports PNG, JPG, SVG, GIF, and WebP. Copy as data URI or raw Base64. No signup required.
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PNG, JPG, SVG, GIF, WebP, ICO
What Is an Image to Base64 Converter?
An image to Base64 converter transforms binary image files (PNG, JPG, SVG, GIF, WebP) into a text-based Base64 encoded string. Base64 encoding represents binary data using 64 ASCII characters (A-Z, a-z, 0-9, +, /), making it safe to embed directly in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, JSON, XML, and email. The most common use is as a data URI — a string that starts with 'data:image/png;base64,' followed by the encoded data — which can be used as an <img> src, a CSS background-image url(), or embedded in an SVG. This eliminates the need for a separate HTTP request to load the image, which is useful for small icons, logos, email templates (where external images may be blocked), and inline SVG embedding. Our free converter handles the encoding instantly in your browser with no file upload to any server.
How Does Image to Base64 Encoding Work?
Base64 encoding converts every 3 bytes of binary image data into 4 ASCII characters. The process reads the image file as a binary array using the browser's FileReader API with readAsDataURL(), which returns the complete data URI including the MIME type prefix (data:image/png;base64,) and the encoded content. The encoding groups every 6 bits of the input and maps them to one of 64 characters (A-Z, a-z, 0-9, +, /). If the input length isn't a multiple of 3 bytes, padding characters (=) are appended. This means Base64 encoded data is roughly 33% larger than the original binary — a 30KB PNG becomes a ~40KB Base64 string. For small images (under 10-20KB), the overhead is negligible and often outweighed by eliminating an HTTP request. For larger images, separate files with proper caching are more efficient.
Features
- ✓Drag-and-drop or click to upload images
- ✓Supports PNG, JPG, JPEG, SVG, GIF, WebP, and ICO formats
- ✓Copy as full data URI (data:image/png;base64,...) or raw Base64 string
- ✓Shows file size, dimensions, and MIME type of uploaded image
- ✓Live image preview from the Base64 string
- ✓Fully client-side — images never leave your browser
Benefits
Eliminate HTTP Requests for Small Images
Each external image requires a separate HTTP request — DNS lookup, TCP connection, download. For small icons and logos (under 10KB), embedding as Base64 in your HTML or CSS eliminates this overhead entirely, improving page load performance.
Email-Safe Image Embedding
Many email clients block external images by default. Base64-encoded images embedded directly in HTML email bodies display immediately without the recipient clicking 'Show images'. This is essential for logos, icons, and key visuals in marketing emails.
Self-Contained HTML Files
When building single-file HTML pages, documentation, or offline tools, Base64 images let you embed everything in one file. No broken image links, no missing assets — the HTML file is fully self-contained and portable.
Complete Privacy
The conversion runs entirely in your browser using the FileReader API. Your images are never uploaded to any server, stored, or processed remotely. Safe for converting sensitive screenshots, internal logos, or proprietary design assets.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Base64 encoding?
Base64 is a binary-to-text encoding scheme that represents binary data using 64 ASCII characters (A-Z, a-z, 0-9, +, /). It's used when binary data needs to be stored or transmitted in text-based formats like HTML, CSS, JSON, or email. The encoded output is about 33% larger than the original binary data.
What is a data URI?
A data URI (Uniform Resource Identifier) is a string that embeds file content directly inline. The format is: data:[MIME type];base64,[encoded data]. For example: data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgo... This string can be used anywhere a URL is expected — as an <img> src attribute, a CSS url() value, or a JavaScript image source.
When should I use Base64 instead of a regular image file?
Use Base64 for small images under 10KB (icons, logos, simple graphics) where eliminating an HTTP request improves performance. Also use it in email templates, single-file HTML documents, CSS sprites, and when embedding images in JSON or XML data. For images over 20KB, regular files with proper caching are more efficient because Base64 adds ~33% overhead.
Does Base64 increase file size?
Yes, Base64 encoding increases data size by approximately 33%. A 30KB image becomes a ~40KB Base64 string. This overhead is acceptable for small images where the saved HTTP request outweighs the size increase. For larger images, the overhead makes Base64 impractical — use regular image files with CDN caching instead.
Is the image to Base64 converter free and private?
Yes, completely free with no signup, no file size limits, and no watermark. All encoding happens locally in your browser using the FileReader API — your images are never uploaded to any server or stored anywhere.
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