A data URL is a Base64 string prefixed with the MIME type, like data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0K... You can use it directly as the src of an tag or as a CSS background-image.

Can I decode Base64 back to an image?

Yes. Switch to the Decode tab, paste a Base64 string or data URL, and the image is previewed instantly. You can then download it as a PNG.

Image to Base64 Converter — Free Online, No Signup

How to convert an image to Base64

Click the upload area or drag and drop any image — PNG, JPG, WEBP, GIF, SVG, BMP, ICO. The conversion happens instantly the moment the file is selected.
You'll see four outputs: Data URL (use directly in HTML/CSS), Base64 string (the encoded data only), a ready-to-paste <img> tag, and a CSS background-image rule.
Click Copy next to whichever output you need and paste it into your code.
To go the other way, switch to the Decode tab, paste a Base64 string or data URL, and click Decode to preview and download the image.

What is Base64 image encoding?

Base64 encoding converts binary data (like an image file) into a string of 64 printable ASCII characters. This lets you embed an image directly inside HTML, CSS, JSON, or any text-based file — no separate image file or network request needed. The tradeoff is about 33% larger file size compared to the original binary.

A data URL is a Base64 string prefixed with the MIME type: data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0K…. You can use this directly as the src of an <img> tag or in a CSS background-image property.

Frequently asked questions

Is my image uploaded to a server?

No. The conversion uses the browser's built-in FileReader API entirely locally. Your image never leaves your device and nothing is stored or transmitted.

What image formats are supported?

Any format your browser can display — PNG, JPG/JPEG, WEBP, GIF, SVG, BMP, ICO, AVIF, and more. If your browser can show it, this tool can encode it.

Why is the Base64 output larger than the original file?

Base64 encoding represents every 3 bytes of binary data as 4 ASCII characters, resulting in roughly 33% more data. This is a fixed overhead of the encoding scheme.

When should I use Base64 images?

Best for small icons, logos, and sprites embedded in HTML emails, inline CSS, or JavaScript. Avoids extra HTTP requests. Not recommended for large images — the file size overhead makes pages slower.

Can I decode a Base64 string back to an image?

Yes. Switch to the Decode tab, paste any Base64 string or full data URL, and click Decode. A preview appears and you can download the result as a PNG.

Is this tool free?

Yes — 100% free, no signup, no account, no ads. yhile.com is free forever.

Image to Base64

How to convert an image to Base64

What is Base64 image encoding?

Frequently asked questions

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