Image to Base64

Free Image to Base64 Encoder — Convert Any Image for Embedding

Base64 encoding converts image binary data to a text string that can be embedded directly in HTML, CSS, JSON, and other text-based formats. This eliminates the need for a separate HTTP request to load the image — useful for small icons, logos, and email images. This free Image to Base64 converter encodes any PNG, JPG, GIF, WebP, or SVG file to a Base64 string instantly, entirely in your browser.

Upload any image and choose whether you want the raw Base64 string or the complete data URI format (data:image/png;base64,...) ready for direct use in HTML or CSS. Copy the output with one click.

When to use Base64 embedding versus regular image files: use Base64 for small images (under 5KB) where the HTTP request overhead outweighs the ~33% size increase from encoding. For large images, always use regular files as Base64 encoding significantly increases their effective size and cannot be cached separately by the browser.

Common Uses for Base64 Images

Inline HTML images. Use as an img src: <img src="data:image/png;base64,..."> — the image loads without any network request.

CSS background images. Embed small patterns, icons, or gradient meshes directly in CSS: background-image: url("data:image/png;base64,...").

Email HTML. Many email clients block externally hosted images. Base64 embedding ensures images always display regardless of image blocking.

API payloads. REST APIs that need to transmit image data use Base64 since JSON cannot contain raw binary data.

Related Tools

• Base64 to Image – Decode a Base64 string back to an image file.
• Image Optimizer – Compress images before encoding to reduce Base64 size.
• Image Crop Tool – Crop images to minimum needed size before encoding.

Frequently Asked Questions