Image to Base64 Converter
Convert an image to a Base64 string or data URI, or decode one back into a downloadable image.
Image → Base64
Processed locally. Your image never leaves your browser.
Base64 → Image
Common questions
When would I use a Base64-encoded image instead of a normal file?
Mainly for embedding a small image directly inside CSS, HTML, or JSON without a separate file request — e.g. `background-image: url(data:image/png;base64,...)`. It only makes sense for small images: Base64 inflates file size by about 33%, so large photos should stay as regular files.
What's the difference between the Data URI and the raw Base64 output?
The Data URI (starting with `data:image/...;base64,`) is a complete, ready-to-use value you can drop straight into CSS or an <img src>. The raw Base64 is just the encoded payload with no prefix, useful when you already have your own data-URI wrapper or are sending the value to an API that expects plain Base64.
Can I decode a Base64 string back into a downloadable image?
Yes — paste either a full data URI or a bare Base64 string into the decode box. If there's no `data:` prefix, the tool detects the image format (PNG, JPEG, GIF, WebP, or BMP) by reading the file's own binary signature, not by guessing from the text.