Base64 is too long
Base64 is usually about one third larger than the original image.
Compress the image first and only inline small assets.
Image to Base64
Convert images to Data URLs or pure Base64, and restore Base64 back to an image preview. Files and encoded text stay in your browser with no upload.
Image to Base64 overview
Image to Base64 converts images into Data URLs or pure Base64 and can restore Base64 text into a previewable image. It is useful for inline icons, API fields and test data without uploads.
How to use Image to Base64
- 1Drop an image on the left upload area or click to choose a JPG, PNG, WebP, SVG or GIF file.
- 2Check the preview, file name, original size and encoded Base64 size.
- 3Click Copy Data URL for a full data:image/... value, or Copy pure Base64 for just the encoded body.
- 4To restore an image, paste a Data URL or pure Base64 string into the right text area and check the preview.
Troubleshooting
Pure Base64 has no MIME type
The encoded body alone does not tell the browser whether it is PNG, SVG or another format.
Use a full Data URL when the result must preview or embed directly.
Restored image does not preview
The Data URL prefix may be missing or the encoded content may be truncated.
Paste the complete Data URL when possible.
Data URL and pure Base64 compared
Choose the output format based on where you need to use it.
| Format | Shape | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Data URL | data:image/png;base64,... | HTML img src, CSS url, inline icons | Includes MIME type and works directly as an image source |
| Pure Base64 | iVBORw0KGgo... | API fields, database values, custom wrappers | Does not carry MIME type by itself |
| Base64 to image | Paste encoded text and preview | Checking API results or restoring fixtures | Pure Base64 defaults to an image/png wrapper for preview |
| Original file | JPG/PNG/WebP/SVG/GIF | Long-term storage and large web assets | Large files should not usually be inlined |
Image to Base64 examples
Inline icon Data URL
Image
logo.svg · image/svg+xml
Data URL
data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iLi4u
Data URLs work directly in img src; pure Base64 is better for API fields.
Use cases
Inline small icons
Convert small SVG or PNG assets into Data URLs for quick embedding.
API image debugging
Verify whether a Base64 image returned by an API can be restored.
Fixture data
Embed a small image in JSON mocks, email templates or rich text tests.
FAQ
Are images uploaded when converting to Base64?›
No. Files are read and converted locally in your browser.
What is the difference between Data URL and Base64?›
A Data URL includes the MIME prefix and can be used directly as an image source. Pure Base64 is only the encoded content.
Why is Base64 larger than the image file?›
Base64 text is usually about one third larger than the original binary file.
Does it support SVG?›
Yes. You can upload SVG files and generate a Data URL, or preview a valid SVG Data URL on restore.
Can I restore Base64 into a downloadable image?›
Yes. Paste the encoded string, check the preview and click Download image.
What if pure Base64 has no MIME type?›
The tool wraps pure Base64 as image/png for preview. Use a full Data URL when you know the real type.
Is this good for large images?›
Usually no. Large Base64 strings are heavy to copy and embed. Compress images first when possible.
Is my Base64 text saved?›
No. It stays in the current browser page and is not saved to a database.