Convert images to Base64 strings and decode Base64 back to images. Free online tool for developers and designers.
Drop image file here or click to select
Base64 image conversion is the process of encoding image files into text strings or decoding Base64 text back into viewable images. This technique converts binary image data into ASCII characters, making it possible to embed images directly in text-based formats like HTML, CSS, and JSON.
Base64 encoding is particularly useful for web development, email systems, and any application where you need to represent binary data as text while maintaining data integrity.
Image file is read as binary data (bytes)
Binary data is grouped into 6-bit chunks
Each 6-bit group is mapped to a Base64 character
Final Base64 string is generated with padding if needed
Embed small images directly in HTML/CSS without additional HTTP requests, create data URIs for inline images, and reduce server load.
Perfect for: Icons, logos, small graphics
Include images in HTML emails without external dependencies, ensure images display even when external resources are blocked.
Perfect for: Email templates, newsletters
Send image data in JSON responses, create self-contained API responses, and avoid file storage complexity for small images.
Perfect for: REST APIs, GraphQL responses
Include screenshots and diagrams in documentation files, create self-contained documents, and ensure images are always available.
Perfect for: README files, technical docs
Lossy compression format ideal for photographs and complex images. Good balance between file size and quality. File size typically increases by ~33% when encoded to Base64.
Lossless compression format with support for transparency. Excellent for graphics, logos, and images requiring sharp edges. Larger file sizes but perfect quality.
Animated image format with limited color palette. Good for simple animations, icons, and graphics with few colors. Small file sizes for simple content.
Modern format developed by Google offering excellent compression. Better compression than JPEG and PNG while maintaining quality. Growing browser support.
No external file dependencies
Reduced HTTP requests
Self-contained documents
Works offline
Larger file sizes (~33% increase)
No browser caching
Harder to edit later
Increased memory usage
Use Base64 for small images (under 100KB) that need to be embedded directly in code or documents. Ideal for icons, logos, and small graphics that don't change often.
Base64 encoding increases file size by approximately 33% due to the conversion from 8-bit binary to 6-bit ASCII representation. This is a fixed overhead.
Only if the Base64 string represents valid image data. The tool validates the input and shows a preview if it's a valid image. Invalid strings will show an error.
Base64 encoding is not encryption - it's just a different representation of data. Anyone can decode Base64 strings, so don't use it for sensitive or private images.