Image to Base64

Convert images to Base64 encoded strings

Upload Image

Drop an image or click to upload

About Image to Base64

Base64 encoding converts binary image data into ASCII text, allowing images to be embedded directly in HTML, CSS, or JSON without separate file requests.

What is Image to Base64?

The Image to Base64 converter is a free online tool that encodes an image into a Base64 data URI string you can embed directly in HTML, CSS, JSON, Markdown, and SCSS. Base64 encoding converts binary image data into ASCII text, which means a small icon or logo can live inside your code rather than as a separate file that requires its own network request. You simply drag and drop an image, and the tool produces eight ready-to-paste outputs at once: the plain Base64 string, the full data URI, a CSS background-image rule, a CSS custom property, an HTML img tag, a Markdown image, a JSON object, and an SCSS variable, each with its own one-click copy button and the correct MIME type included. It also reports the original size, the encoded Base64 size, and the overhead so you can judge whether inlining is worthwhile, and a decode mode turns a Base64 string back into a downloadable image. It supports PNG, JPG, GIF, SVG, and WebP, and runs entirely in your browser with no signup.

How to use Image to Base64?

Encoding an image to Base64 is quick and private:

  1. 1 Drag and drop an image file onto the upload area, or click it to browse your device. Supported formats include PNG, JPG, GIF, SVG, and WebP.
  2. 2 See the image encoded instantly into a Base64 data URI string, with file information such as name, size, type, and dimensions displayed alongside, plus encoding stats showing the original size, the encoded size, and the overhead.
  3. 3 Choose from eight outputs: the raw Base64 string, the full data URI, a CSS background rule, a CSS custom property, an HTML image tag, a Markdown image, a JSON object, or an SCSS variable.
  4. 4 Copy your chosen output with its dedicated button and paste it directly into your stylesheet, markup, documentation, or API payload, no separate image hosting required.
  5. 5 Need the reverse? Switch to decode mode, paste a Base64 string or data URI, and preview or download the original image.

Why use this tool?

Every separate image on a page is an extra network request, and for tiny assets like icons and logos that overhead can slow a page down. Embedding small images as Base64 lets the browser render them with the rest of your code, removing those requests entirely. This tool produces the exact data URI, CSS, HTML, Markdown, JSON, and SCSS you need, with the correct MIME type so it works straight away in an img source or CSS background. The CSS custom property and SCSS variable outputs suit design-token files, while the Markdown output suits READMEs and documentation. The encoding stats show the size overhead Base64 adds (roughly a third), helping you decide when inlining beats a separate request, and the decode mode recovers an image from a Base64 string you already have. Because everything happens in your browser, your images are never uploaded, keeping them private. The tool is free and needs no account.

Examples

Embedding a logo in CSS

Encode a small PNG logo and paste the generated CSS background rule, or the CSS custom property, so it loads with your stylesheet instead of as a separate file.

Inlining an icon in HTML

Convert an SVG icon to a data URI and drop it into an img tag, removing one network request from the page.

Sending an image in JSON

Encode a thumbnail into the ready-made JSON object and include it in an API payload when a separate file upload is not practical.

Documenting with Markdown

Use the Markdown image output to inline a small badge or diagram in a README without a separate file.

Recovering an image

Paste a Base64 string into decode mode to preview it and download the original image.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Image to Base64 converter free to use?

Yes. The tool is completely free with no signup, no limits, and no account required. You can convert as many images as you like.

Which output formats can I copy?

Eight: the plain Base64 string, the full data URI, a CSS background-image rule, a CSS custom property, an HTML img tag, a Markdown image, a JSON object, and an SCSS variable. Each has its own copy button.

Which image formats are supported?

It supports PNG, JPG, GIF, SVG, and WebP, and shows file information such as size, type, and dimensions for each one.

Can I turn a Base64 string back into an image?

Yes. Switch to decode mode, paste a Base64 string or full data URI, and the tool previews the image and offers a download link, all in your browser.

Are my images uploaded anywhere?

No. Encoding and decoding happen entirely in your browser, so your images are never sent to or stored on a server, keeping them private.

Should I use Base64 for large images?

It is best for small images under about 50KB. Base64 adds roughly a third to the size, so for large images regular image hosting is better.

Related Tools

Explore more free tools you might find useful