Image guide
How to Convert an Image to Base64
Base64 turns image bytes into text that can travel through text-only systems. It is convenient for small embedded assets, but it increases size and is not a security measure.
Open the Image to Base64 toolQuick answer
Base64 output is typically about one third larger than the original binary data, before the surrounding data URL text.
Base64 versus a data URL
Raw Base64 is only encoded bytes. A data URL adds a prefix such as data:image/png;base64,, which tells a browser the media type and encoding.
Use the format required by the destination. An API may request raw Base64 while an HTML image source can accept a complete data URL.
How to convert image to Base64
- Choose the source image.
- Generate output and select raw data or a complete data URL.
- Copy the full value and verify it by decoding or displaying it.
Long strings can be clipped by databases, form fields, terminals, or messages, so test the copied value before discarding the original.
When Base64 is useful
Small icons, one-off email payloads, API fixtures, and self-contained prototypes can benefit from embedding.
For normal website photographs, linked files are usually better. They cache independently, support responsive delivery, and can be edited without rewriting a large document.
Size, privacy, and safety
Base64 is reversible and provides no encryption. Anyone who receives the string can decode the image.
Encoding does not remove metadata or reduce file size. Compress or clean the image first if those goals matter.
Try it in your browser
The free ToolPixels Image to Base64 works locally in your browser. Review the result and keep the original.