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A base64 data URL packs an image's binary bytes into plain text that can live directly inside HTML, CSS, or JSON - no separate file, no extra HTTP request. Upload an image and this reads it locally with the browser's FileReader API, then formats the result as a full data URL, a raw base64 string, an `<img>` tag, or a CSS `background-image` property.
When you'd use this
Embedding a small icon or logo straight into a CSS file or email template, where avoiding an extra network request matters more than a slightly larger inline payload.
Getting an image into a JSON config, a JS bundle, or a build-time string constant without shipping a separate binary file alongside it.
Choosing an output format
The full data-URL string is what most `src` or `url()` contexts expect. The raw hash strips the `data:image/...;base64,` prefix, useful if you're constructing the URL yourself elsewhere. The HTML and CSS options wrap the same data URL in the exact syntax you'd paste into a template or stylesheet.
Frequently asked questions
Does base64 encoding make the file bigger?
Yes - base64 encoding inflates the original binary size by roughly a third. It's a reasonable tradeoff for small icons and images where saving an HTTP request matters, but not something you'd want for large photos.
Is the image uploaded anywhere?
No. The file is read locally with the browser's FileReader API and converted to a data URL entirely on your device - it's never sent to a server.
Which image formats does it accept?
Any image type your browser recognizes, including PNG, JPEG, WEBP, and SVG.
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