Image to Base64 Converter
Convert an image to a Base64 string or data URL instantly in your browser.
More settings and actions
The HTML image tag uses your converted data URL. Large Base64 images can increase HTML size, so use this method only when appropriate.
Image to Base64 Converter: Convert Images Online for Free
An image to Base64 converter turns an image file into a Base64-encoded string that can be used in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and other applications. Instead of referencing a separate image file, you can represent the image data as text.
CornerCopy’s free Image to Base64 Converter lets you select an image, preview the file, generate a Base64 data URL, copy the result, and download it as a text file. The conversion happens directly in your browser, so your image does not need to be uploaded to a conversion server.
What Is Base64 Image Encoding?
Base64 is a method of representing binary data using text characters. Since image files contain binary data, Base64 encoding makes it possible to represent their contents as a text string.
A Base64 data URL includes information about the image’s media type, followed by the encoded data. For example, a PNG image uses a prefix similar to data:image/png;base64,.
This format can be useful when working with small images in web development, email templates, prototypes, and applications that accept data URLs.
How to Convert an Image to Base64
You can convert an image in a few simple steps using the tool above.
- Select an image: Upload a supported PNG, JPG, GIF, WebP, BMP, or SVG file, or drag and drop it into the upload area.
- Preview the file: Check the selected image’s name, format, and file size.
- Choose an output format: Select Base64 Data URL to include the image’s data URL prefix, or Base64 String Only to get the encoded data without that prefix.
- Convert the image: Click the Convert Image button to generate the result.
- Copy or download: Copy the output to your clipboard or download it as a TXT file.
You can also copy an HTML image tag or download a simple HTML file containing the converted image.
Base64 Data URL vs. Base64 String
These two output formats contain related information, but they serve different purposes.
- Base64 Data URL: Includes the media type and encoding prefix alongside the Base64 data. It can be used as an image source in HTML when the data URL is supported.
- Base64 String Only: Contains the encoded image data without the prefix. You may need to add the correct prefix when using it in HTML or CSS.
Choose the format that matches the requirements of your project. If you are unsure, the complete data URL is usually the more convenient option for embedding an image.
When Should You Use a Base64 Image?
Base64 encoding can be helpful in several situations:
- Web development: Embed small images directly into HTML or CSS.
- Email templates: Include small graphics in environments that support data URLs, subject to email client restrictions.
- Prototypes: Test image display without managing a separate image asset.
- Data transfer: Pass encoded image data to software that accepts Base64 strings.
- Small icons: Keep certain small image assets alongside the code that uses them.
However, Base64 is not always the best choice. Encoding typically increases the data size by roughly one-third, before accounting for any additional formatting. Large images can make HTML, CSS, or other text-based files unnecessarily heavy.
For larger images, using a separate image file or an optimized image format is often more efficient.
Is It Safe to Convert Images Online?
CornerCopy processes image files locally in your browser using JavaScript. The converter does not send selected images to its own conversion server.
Even so, Base64 encoding is not encryption. Anyone who can access the resulting string may be able to reconstruct the original image. Avoid publishing confidential image data inside public source code, and only embed files you are authorized to use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Image to Base64 Converter free?
Yes. You can use the converter without a paid subscription or an API key.
Which image formats are supported?
The tool accepts PNG, JPG, GIF, WebP, BMP, and SVG files, with a maximum file size of 10 MB.
Does Base64 reduce image file size?
No. Base64 usually increases the encoded data size by approximately 33%. Use an image compressor if your main goal is to reduce file size.
Can I use Base64 in HTML?
Yes. A Base64 data URL can be used as an image source in HTML, provided the relevant browser and security policies permit it.
What is the difference between Base64 and a data URL?
Base64 is the encoding of the image data. A data URL adds a prefix that identifies the media type and encoding, allowing compatible applications to interpret the data.
Do I need an API to convert images?
No. This converter uses browser-based JavaScript to read and encode selected images. A paid API is not required.
Convert Your Image to Base64
Use the free CornerCopy Image to Base64 Converter above to generate a Base64 string or data URL, copy your result, and download it for your project. The tool provides a simple way to prepare image data for compatible web development workflows without installing additional software.
Related Tools: Explore our Text Cleaner, Line Break Generator, Case Converter, and Character Counter, or visit All Tools to discover more free text-formatting tools.