Free Online Image to Base64 Converter
Convert images to Base64 encoded strings instantly in your browser. Our free tool supports PNG, JPG, GIF, WebP, SVG, BMP, and ICO formats with multiple output options including Data URI, HTML img tags, and CSS background properties. Perfect for embedding images directly in HTML, CSS, or JavaScript.
Supported Features
Supported Image Formats
- PNG - Portable Network Graphics
- JPG/JPEG - Joint Photographic Experts Group
- GIF - Graphics Interchange Format
- WebP - Modern web image format
- SVG - Scalable Vector Graphics
- BMP - Bitmap Image File
- ICO - Windows Icon Format
Output Format Options
- Raw Base64 - Pure encoded string for APIs
- Data URI - Complete data:image format
- HTML img tag - Ready-to-use HTML
- CSS background - For stylesheet use
Common Use Cases
Email Templates
Embed images directly in HTML emails to avoid broken image links and improve email deliverability. Base64 images display reliably across all email clients.
Single Page Applications
Reduce HTTP requests by embedding small icons and images directly in your JavaScript or CSS. Ideal for logos, icons, and small UI elements.
CSS Styling
Use Base64 images as CSS background images to bundle assets with your stylesheets. Perfect for sprites, patterns, and decorative elements.
Data Storage
Store images in databases or configuration files as text strings. Useful for JSON-based storage, local storage, and API payloads.
Why Convert Images to Base64?
Base64 encoding converts binary image data into ASCII text, allowing images to be embedded directly in HTML, CSS, or JavaScript without external file references. This reduces HTTP requests, ensures images always load with your code, and simplifies deployment. However, Base64 increases file size by approximately 33%, so it's best used for small images like icons and logos.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Base64 encoding?
Base64 is a binary-to-text encoding scheme that converts binary data (like images) into ASCII characters. This allows binary files to be embedded in text-based formats like HTML, CSS, JSON, or email.
Why does Base64 increase file size?
Base64 encoding uses 4 characters to represent every 3 bytes of binary data, resulting in approximately 33% larger output. The trade-off is the ability to embed images directly in text-based code.
What's the difference between Raw Base64 and Data URI?
Raw Base64 is just the encoded string. Data URI includes a prefix like 'data:image/png;base64,' that tells browsers how to interpret the data. Data URI is required for direct use in HTML or CSS.
Are my images secure?
Yes! All conversion happens entirely in your browser using JavaScript's FileReader API. Your images never leave your computer and are never uploaded to any server.
What's the maximum file size?
This tool supports images up to 10MB. However, for web performance, we recommend using Base64 only for small images under 50KB. Larger images should be served as regular files.
Can I use the output in my projects?
Absolutely! The Base64 output is free to use in any personal or commercial project. Simply copy the output in your preferred format and paste it into your code.