Image to Base64 Converter
Convert images to Base64 data URIs and decode Base64 back to PNG, JPG, WebP, SVG, or GIF — privately in your browser.
Drop an image here or click to browse
PNG, JPG, WebP, SVG, or GIF — converted locally when you click Convert
Click Convert to Image to preview
About Image to Base64 Converter
What is Image to Base64?
Base64 is a binary-to-text encoding that turns image bytes into an ASCII string. Developers often wrap that string in a Data URI (data:image/png;base64,...) so the image can be embedded directly in HTML, CSS, JSON, or email without a separate file request.
Why use this converter?
Embed small icons or logos inline to reduce HTTP requests, include images in CSS backgrounds, ship assets inside JSON APIs or config files, or debug Data URIs from network responses. This tool also reverses the process: paste Base64 or a Data URI and restore a downloadable PNG, JPG, WebP, SVG, or GIF.
How to use this tool:
Image → Base64: Drag and drop an image (or click to browse), click Convert to Base64, choose Data URI or Raw Base64, then copy the result. Large outputs are previewed truncated in the UI; Copy still copies the full string. A progress bar shows while conversion runs.
Base64 → Image: Switch modes, paste a Base64 string or full Data URI, click Convert to Image, preview the restored image, then download it.
Size overhead (~33%)
Base64 encodes every 3 bytes as 4 characters, so the encoded string is typically about 33% larger than the original file (plus a short Data URI prefix if you include it). Prefer Base64 for small assets; large photos are usually better served as normal image files.
Privacy & security
All conversion runs locally in your browser with the FileReader and Blob APIs. Images are never uploaded to a server. For plain text Base64 (not images), use our Base64 Encode & Decode tool.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Base64 encryption?
No. Base64 is encoding, not encryption. Anyone can decode a Base64 string back to the original image. Never use Base64 to hide sensitive images or secrets.
Why is the Base64 string about 33% larger than my image?
Base64 maps every 3 bytes of binary data to 4 ASCII characters (6 bits each). That 4/3 ratio means roughly a 33% size increase, before counting any Data URI prefix like data:image/png;base64,.
What is the difference between raw Base64 and a Data URI?
Raw Base64 is only the encoded characters. A Data URI adds a MIME prefix (for example data:image/webp;base64,) so browsers and CSS can treat the string as an image source directly in src or url() attributes.
Which image formats are supported?
PNG, JPG/JPEG, WebP, SVG, and GIF. Files are validated by MIME type and extension. SVG is encoded as image/svg+xml.
Is there a file size limit?
Yes. Files larger than 10 MB are rejected to protect browser memory. Files over 5 MB show a warning because the resulting Base64 string can be very large and slow to copy.
Why is the Base64 output truncated in the box?
Very long Base64 strings slow down the browser if rendered in full. This tool shows a short preview for performance. Use Copy Base64 to get the complete string, including the Data URI prefix when that option is selected.
Are my images uploaded to a server?
No. Encoding and decoding happen entirely in your browser. Nothing is stored or transmitted to our servers.
Can I decode a Base64 string without the data:image prefix?
Yes. Paste raw Base64 and the tool defaults to image/png for preview and download. If you include a Data URI prefix, the MIME type from that prefix is used instead.
When should I avoid embedding images as Base64?
Avoid Base64 for large photos or frequently changing assets. The size overhead and lack of separate caching usually make normal image URLs a better choice for production pages.