🖼️ Image to Base64 Converter

Convert images to Base64 strings or decode Base64 back to images. Runs in your browser.

📁 Drop an image here or click to browse Supports PNG, JPG, WebP, GIF, SVG, ICO

Free Image to Base64 Converter

Instantly convert images to Base64 strings or decode Base64 data back into viewable images. Supports multiple output formats including raw Base64, data URIs, HTML img tags, CSS background URLs, and Markdown syntax. Perfect for embedding images in HTML, CSS, emails, or APIs. All processing happens in your browser - your data never leaves your device.

What is Image to Base64 Conversion?

Image to Base64 conversion is the process of encoding binary image data into a text string using the Base64 encoding scheme. Base64 transforms every three bytes of image data into four printable ASCII characters, producing a text representation that can be embedded directly into code, stylesheets, and markup documents. This technique is widely used in web development to inline small images, reducing the number of HTTP requests a page needs to make. The resulting string can be wrapped in a data URI (for example, data:image/png;base64,iVBOR...) and used anywhere a regular image URL would be accepted.

The reverse operation, decoding Base64 back to an image, is equally useful. Developers frequently encounter Base64-encoded images when working with APIs, email content, or database blobs. This tool handles both directions: you can upload any common image format (PNG, JPG, WebP, GIF, SVG, ICO) and instantly receive the Base64 output in five ready-to-use formats, or you can paste a Base64 string and see the decoded image with a one-click download option. Everything runs entirely in your browser using the FileReader API and canvas element, so your images are never uploaded to any server.

How to Use This Tool

Select a mode at the top: "Image to Base64" to encode an image file, or "Base64 to Image" to decode a Base64 string back into a viewable image.
In Image to Base64 mode, drag and drop an image onto the drop zone or click to browse your files. The tool accepts PNG, JPG, WebP, GIF, SVG, and ICO files.
Once the image loads, you will see a preview along with details about the file: dimensions, file size, MIME type, and encoded size. Five output formats appear below, each with its own copy button.
In Base64 to Image mode, paste a raw Base64 string or a complete data URI into the text area. The tool auto-detects the format. Click "Decode" to render the image preview and reveal the download button.

Key Features

Multiple Output Formats - Get your Base64 output as a raw string, data URI, HTML img tag, CSS background-image url, or Markdown image syntax, each with a dedicated copy button.
Image Preview and Info - See a live preview of the uploaded or decoded image along with its dimensions, file size, MIME type, and the size increase from encoding.
Drag and Drop Upload - Simply drag an image file from your desktop onto the drop zone. Alternatively, click to open the file browser. Accepts PNG, JPG, WebP, GIF, SVG, and ICO.
Base64 to Image Decoding - Paste any Base64 string or data URI and decode it back into a viewable, downloadable image. The tool automatically detects whether you pasted raw Base64 or a data URI.
100% Client-Side - All conversion happens in your browser using JavaScript. No images are uploaded to any server, keeping your data completely private.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I use Base64-encoded images?

Base64-encoded images are best suited for small assets like icons, logos, and tiny UI elements, typically under 10 KB. Embedding them directly in HTML or CSS eliminates extra HTTP requests and can speed up page rendering. For larger images, using standard image files served by a CDN is more efficient because Base64 encoding increases the data size by roughly 33%.

How much larger does the Base64 string get compared to the original image?

Base64 encoding increases data size by approximately 33%. This happens because every three bytes of binary data become four Base64 characters. For example, a 30 KB image will produce roughly 40 KB of Base64 text. This tool displays the exact encoded size and the percentage increase so you can make an informed decision about whether to inline the image.

What image formats are supported?

This tool supports all common web image formats: PNG, JPEG (JPG), WebP, GIF, SVG, and ICO. The MIME type is detected automatically from the file and included in the data URI output. When decoding, the tool handles any image format that your browser can render natively.

Can I convert a Base64 string back to an image file?

Yes. Switch to the "Base64 to Image" tab, paste your Base64 string or data URI, and click Decode. The tool will render the image and show a download button so you can save it as a file. If your Base64 string includes a data URI prefix, the format is detected automatically. If you paste raw Base64 without a prefix, the tool defaults to PNG.

Is my image data kept private?

Absolutely. This tool runs entirely in your browser using JavaScript. Your images never leave your device and are never sent to any external server. The conversion uses the browser's built-in FileReader API and canvas element, so all processing happens locally on your machine.