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Image to Base64 Encoder

Convert an image (PNG, JPG, GIF, WebP, SVG) to a Base64 data URI — drag and drop, preview, and copy as a data URI, CSS background, or HTML img. Encoded in your browser. Free.

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Click to choose an image or drag & drop it here

PNG, JPG, GIF, WebP, SVG — encoded locally, never uploaded

💡 About base64 images

  • Embedding a small image as base64 saves an HTTP request — great for icons and tiny assets.
  • Base64 makes files ~33% larger, so avoid it for big images; it is best for small graphics.
  • Everything happens in your browser — your image is never uploaded.

Free Image to Base64 Encoder

Convert any image to a Base64 data URI in seconds. Drag and drop a PNG, JPG, GIF, WebP, or SVG and copy it as a data URI, raw Base64, a CSS background, or an HTML img tag. Your image is encoded locally in your browser and never uploaded. Free, no sign-up.

What is a Base64 image (data URI)?

A data URI encodes an image directly into text so it can be embedded straight into your HTML or CSS instead of loading from a separate file. It starts with data:image/png;base64, followed by the Base64-encoded bytes of the image. Because the image travels inside your markup or stylesheet, the browser does not make a separate network request to fetch it.

How to use the image to Base64 encoder

It takes one step:

  • Drag an image onto the box, or click to choose a file.
  • See a preview and the original vs Base64 size.
  • Switch between Data URI, raw Base64, CSS background, or HTML img output.
  • Copy the format you need and paste it into your project.

When to use Base64 images

Encoding an image as Base64 is a performance trade-off. It removes an HTTP request, which is worthwhile for very small, frequently used graphics like icons, tiny logos, or a background texture — especially inline in CSS. It is also handy for embedding an image in an email template, a single self-contained HTML file, or a JSON payload where you cannot reference an external file.

When NOT to use Base64

Base64 encoding makes data roughly 33% larger, and inlined images cannot be cached separately by the browser. For large images, or images reused across many pages, a normal image file with proper caching is faster overall. As a rule of thumb, reserve Base64 for small assets (typically a few kilobytes) and keep bigger images as regular files served with caching and, ideally, a CDN.

Is it private and safe?

Yes. This encoder runs entirely in your browser using the FileReader API — your image is read and converted locally and is never uploaded to a server. That makes it safe for confidential graphics, unreleased designs, or client assets. It works offline once the page has loaded, too.

Pro tip

Compress and resize your image before encoding — Base64 inherits whatever size the source file is, plus a third on top, so a smaller original means smaller markup. SVG icons often work especially well as data URIs. For optimising images first, see our image compressor and resizer tools.

FAQ

Is this image to Base64 tool free and private?
Yes. It is free and encodes images entirely in your browser, so your image is never uploaded or stored anywhere.
How do I convert an image to Base64?
Drag and drop an image or click to select one. The tool encodes it instantly and lets you copy it as a data URI, raw Base64, a CSS background, or an HTML img tag.
What image formats are supported?
Any image your browser can read, including PNG, JPG, GIF, WebP, and SVG. The correct MIME type is included in the data URI automatically.
When should I use a Base64 image instead of a file?
Use Base64 for very small, frequently used images like icons, or to embed an image in an email, a single HTML file, or JSON. For large or reusable images, a normal cached file is faster.
Does Base64 make the image bigger?
Yes. Base64 increases size by roughly 33%, and inlined images are not cached separately. That is why it is best kept to small assets.
How do I use the data URI in CSS?
Use it as a background: background-image: url('data:image/png;base64,...'). The tool provides this format ready to copy.
Can I decode a Base64 string back to an image?
Yes, in effect — pasting a full data URI into an HTML img src or CSS url() will render the image. This tool focuses on encoding, and previews the result as you go.

Related tools

Pro tip: pair this tool with Upside Down Text Generator and Text Similarity Checker for a faster SEO workflow.