Your files never leave your device. All processing happens in your browser.
Drop an image into Img Stop's Image to Base64 tool and the Base64 code appears at once. Choose Data URI, Base64 only, HTML img tag, CSS background or Markdown from the menu, then press Copy. The encoding happens in your browser, so the image is never uploaded.
About the Image to Base64
Image to Base64 encodes a picture file as plain text. Base64 uses 64 safe characters to write binary data, and a data URI adds a short header such as data:image/png;base64 so browsers know the file type. Img Stop reads your PNG, JPG, WebP, GIF, SVG or other image and shows the ready code, together with the original file size and the size of the text version.
Developers use Base64 images to put small icons, logos and placeholders straight into HTML, CSS, JSON or emails, which removes an extra file request. The trade-off is size: Base64 text is about one third larger than the original file. That is why it works best for small images of a few kilobytes, and not for large photos on a website.
Key features
- Five output stylesCopy a Data URI, Base64 only, HTML img tag, CSS background or Markdown image code.
- One click copyThe Copy button puts the full code on your clipboard.
- Many filesDrop several images and each one gets its own code box.
- Size infoSee the original file size next to the size of the Base64 text.
- Any image typeWorks with PNG, JPG, WebP, GIF, SVG, ICO and other images your browser reads.
- Instant resultThe code appears as soon as you add a file – there is no button to press.
How to use the Image to Base64
- Add your image Drop one or more images on the box, click to choose them, or paste with Ctrl+V.
- Choose the code style Use the menu next to each image to pick Data URI, Base64 only, HTML img tag, CSS background or Markdown.
- Copy the code Press Copy and paste the code into your HTML, CSS, JSON or Markdown file.
Image to Base64 at a glance
| Price | Free |
|---|---|
| Input formats | PNG, JPG, WebP, GIF, SVG and more |
| Output formats | Data URI, Base64, HTML, CSS, Markdown |
| Size change | About 33% larger as text |
| Processing | In your browser – files are not uploaded |
When to use it
- Embed a small logo in an HTML email signature so it shows without a separate file.
- Put icons directly into a CSS file as background images.
- Send an image inside a JSON request to an API that expects Base64 text.
- Add a tiny placeholder image to a single-file HTML page or demo.
- Store a small picture in a database text field or a config file.
Tips for the best result
- Compress or resize the image first. A smaller file gives shorter Base64 code and faster pages.
- Choose Base64 only when an API asks for the raw string without the data:image prefix.
- SVG icons encode very well. Keep the SVG small and clean to get the shortest code.
- Avoid Base64 for large photos on websites. A normal image file can be cached by the browser and loads more efficiently.
Frequently asked questions
How do I convert an image to Base64?
Open Img Stop's Image to Base64 tool and drop your image on the box. The Base64 code appears straight away. Pick the style you need from the menu, such as Data URI or Base64 only, and press Copy. You can then paste it into your code or tool.
What is the difference between a data URI and Base64?
Base64 is only the encoded text. A data URI adds a prefix like data:image/png;base64, before the text, which tells the browser the file type. Use the data URI in HTML and CSS. Use Base64 only for APIs and databases that ask for the raw string.
How do I use a Base64 image in HTML or CSS?
Choose HTML img tag to get a complete image tag with the data URI as its source, then paste it into your page. For styles, choose CSS background to get a background-image rule that you can add to any CSS selector. Both work in all modern browsers.
Why is the Base64 code bigger than my image?
Base64 writes every 3 bytes of the file as 4 text characters, so the text is about 33% larger than the original image. The tool shows both sizes so you can compare. For this reason, Base64 is best for small icons and logos, not big photos.
Is there a size limit for Base64 images?
The tool handles large files, but very long Base64 strings can make code editors and web pages slow. Some email programs and APIs also set their own limits. For best results, compress the image first and keep Base64 images small.
Last updated October 29, 2026 by the Img Stop team.