What is Base64 encoding?

Base64 is a binary-to-text encoding scheme that represents binary data (like an image file) as a string of ASCII characters. It is commonly used to embed images directly in HTML, CSS, emails, and JSON payloads without needing a separate file.

A data URL (also called a data URI) is a URL scheme that embeds file content directly in the URL string using Base64 encoding. The format is data:[media type];base64,[encoded data]. You can use a data URL anywhere a regular image URL is accepted — in HTML img tags, CSS background-image properties, and more.

When should I use Base64 instead of a regular image URL?

Base64 is useful when you want to avoid an extra HTTP request for a small image, embed an image in an email or HTML email template, store an image inline in a JSON API response, or use an image in a CSS file or HTML file that must be self-contained.

Does Base64 increase the file size?

Yes. Base64 encoding increases the size of binary data by approximately 33%. A 100 KB image becomes roughly 133 KB when Base64 encoded. For this reason, Base64 is best suited for small images like icons, logos, and thumbnails.

Is my image uploaded to a server?

No. The entire conversion happens in your browser using the FileReader API. Your image data never leaves your device. This tool is 100% private.

What image formats are supported?

Any image format your browser supports can be converted: JPG, PNG, WebP, GIF, SVG, AVIF, ICO, and more. The tool uses the FileReader API to read the file as a data URL, so it works with any format the browser can process.

How do I use the CSS snippet in my stylesheet?

Copy the CSS background-image snippet and paste it directly into a CSS rule. For example: .my-element { background-image: url("data:image/png;base64,..."); background-size: cover; }. This embeds the image directly in your CSS file without a separate image request.

How do I embed the image in HTML?

Copy the HTML snippet and paste it into your HTML file. The img tag uses a data URL as its src attribute, so it displays the image without referencing an external file.

Image to Base64 Converter

Convert any image to a Base64 string or data URL instantly. Get ready-to-use CSS and HTML snippets with one click. 100% private — processed in your browser.

Files are never uploaded.

•How this works

Drop your image here

or click to select — JPG, PNG, WebP, GIF, SVG, AVIF, and more

How to Convert an Image to Base64

1
Open Image to Base64 Converter
Go to converter.plus/image-to-base64 in any modern browser.
2
Upload your image
Drag and drop your image file onto the drop zone, or click to browse and select it from your device.
3
Choose output format
Select the output format you need: Raw Base64, Data URL, CSS background-image snippet, or HTML img tag snippet.
4
Copy the result
Click the Copy button next to the output. The button will briefly show a confirmation checkmark.
5
Paste into your code
Paste the copied string into your HTML, CSS, JavaScript, or wherever you need it.

About Image to Base64 Conversion

Base64 encoding is a standard technique that converts binary image data into a string of ASCII text characters. The encoded string can be used anywhere a URL is accepted — in HTML img tags, CSS background-image properties, JavaScript, JSON APIs, and email templates — without needing the image to be hosted as a separate file.

This tool uses the browser's built-in FileReader API to read your image and produce a data URL (data:image/...;base64,...). The raw Base64 string is the encoded portion after the comma, while the full data URL is the self-contained form that browsers understand directly. The CSS and HTML snippets are ready-to-paste code that wraps the data URL in the appropriate syntax for each use case.

Because everything happens inside your browser, your image is never uploaded anywhere. This makes Converter.Plus ideal for converting sensitive or private images — screenshots, logos, confidential graphics — without risk.

Working with SVG files? Try the SVG Optimizer to minify and clean SVG code by removing metadata, comments, and redundant attributes — powered by SVGO, directly in your browser.