Image to Base64

What is this tool?

This Image to Base64 converter turns images into data URLs or raw Base64 strings. Drop, browse, or paste an image from your clipboard and get the Base64 output instantly. The tool also generates a ready-to-use HTML <img> tag, shows a live preview with metadata (file name, type, original size, Base64 size), and lets you copy or download the result. It supports all common image formats: JPEG, PNG, GIF, WebP, SVG, BMP, and ICO. All processing runs client-side—your images are never uploaded to any server.

Why convert images to Base64?

Embedding images as data URLs eliminates extra HTTP requests, making pages load faster for small images like icons, logos, and UI elements. It's also essential for embedding images in HTML emails (where external images are often blocked), including images directly in CSS, or sending image data through JSON APIs without a separate file upload endpoint.

Key features

• Drag & drop — Drop an image directly onto the tool's upload zone.
• Paste from clipboard — Press Ctrl/Cmd+V to paste a screenshot or any copied image—no file needed.
• Browse files — Click the upload zone to open a file browser and select an image.
• Data URL or raw Base64 — Toggle between the full data URL (data:image/png;base64,...) and the raw Base64 string (no prefix).
• HTML img tag — Auto-generated <img src="..." alt="..." /> tag ready to paste into your code.
• Preview & metadata — Shows a live image preview plus file name, MIME type, original file size (KB), and Base64 output size (KB and character count).
• Copy output — Copy the Base64 string or data URL to the clipboard with one click.
• Copy HTML tag — Separately copy just the <img> tag.
• Download as .txt — Download the Base64 output as a text file.
• All common formats — Supports JPEG, PNG, GIF, WebP, SVG, BMP, and ICO.
• 100% client-side — Images are converted using the browser's FileReader API. Nothing is uploaded to any server.

How this tool works (step-by-step)

1. Choose an image — Drop an image file onto the upload zone, click to browse, or paste from clipboard (Ctrl/Cmd+V).
2. See the preview — The tool shows a live preview along with metadata: file name, MIME type, original size, and Base64 size.
3. Choose output format — Select "Data URL" for the full data:image/...;base64, prefix, or "Raw Base64" for just the encoded string.
4. Copy or download — Copy the Base64 output, copy the HTML <img> tag, or download as a .txt file.

Real-world examples

Embedding a logo in CSS

Convert a small PNG logo to a data URL, then use it as a CSS background image to eliminate an HTTP request:

.logo {
  background-image: url("data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgo...");
  width: 120px;
  height: 40px;
}

Inline image in HTML email

Many email clients block external images by default. Use the generated <img> tag with a data URL to embed the image directly:

<img src="data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgo..." alt="Company logo" />

Sending image data via JSON API

Copy the raw Base64 string and include it in a JSON payload. The server can decode the Base64 back into an image file without a separate upload endpoint.

Use cases

Best practices

• Only embed small images — Base64 encoding increases file size by ~33%. It's ideal for icons and small logos (<10 KB), but large images should use standard URLs for better performance and caching.
• Use data URLs in CSS for critical images — Embedding small critical images (like loading spinners) in CSS avoids render-blocking HTTP requests.
• Choose the right format — Use "Data URL" when embedding in HTML or CSS (includes the MIME type prefix). Use "Raw Base64" when sending through an API that handles the MIME type separately.
• Consider SVG for vector graphics — For icons and logos, SVG is often smaller than a PNG data URL and scales perfectly. SVG can also be inlined as XML, not just Base64.
• Check email client support — While data URLs work in many email clients, some (like older Outlook) may strip them. Test your email templates across clients.

Common mistakes & how to avoid them

• Embedding large images — A 1 MB image becomes ~1.33 MB in Base64. This bloats your CSS/HTML and prevents browser caching. Only embed images under 10–20 KB.
• Using raw Base64 in HTML src — If you paste raw Base64 into an <img src="..."> without the data URL prefix, the image won't render. Use the "Data URL" mode for HTML.
• Not optimizing the source image — Optimize (compress) the image before converting to Base64 to keep the output as small as possible.
• Forgetting to check file type — The tool auto-detects the MIME type. If the file extension is wrong (e.g. a JPEG saved as .png), the data URL will reflect the actual type.

FAQ

Related terms

This tool is commonly searched as image to Base64, image to data URL, convert image to Base64 online, Base64 encode image, PNG to Base64, JPEG to Base64, image data URI generator, inline image encoder, SVG to Base64, and embed image in CSS. It converts any image format to Base64 for embedding in HTML, CSS, emails, or APIs—all without leaving the browser.

Similar tools

You might also find these developer tools useful:

• Base64
• QR Code
• HTML Preview
• Encoder/Decoder

Conclusion

An Image to Base64 converter is a quick way to embed images in CSS, HTML, emails, or APIs without external files. Drop, paste, or browse an image and get the data URL, raw Base64, and an HTML <img> tag—all in the browser with no uploads, no sign-up, and complete privacy.