File to Base64 Converter

Convert files to Base64 encoding or decode Base64 strings back to files. Perfect for embedding files in code or data URIs.

Upload File

Select a file to convert to Base64

Base64 Output

Base64 encoded representation of your file

Upload a file to see Base64 output

πŸ’‘ Common Uses

  • β€’ Embed images in HTML/CSS
  • β€’ Store binary data in JSON
  • β€’ Send files via API
  • β€’ Data URIs for web development

πŸ”’ Privacy

All conversions happen in your browser. Files are never uploaded to any server.

About Base64 Encoding

Base64 is a binary-to-text encoding scheme that represents binary data in an ASCII string format. It's commonly used to encode binary files for transmission over text-based protocols or for embedding in text formats like HTML, CSS, or JSON.

How Base64 Works

Base64 encoding converts binary data into a set of 64 printable ASCII characters (A-Z, a-z, 0-9, +, /). Every 3 bytes of binary data is converted to 4 Base64 characters, which increases the data size by approximately 33%.

Common Use Cases

  • Data URIs: Embed images directly in HTML/CSS without separate files
  • Email Attachments: MIME encoding for email attachments
  • API Requests: Send binary data in JSON payloads
  • Web Development: Inline images, fonts, and other assets
  • Database Storage: Store binary data in text fields
  • Configuration Files: Embed binary data in XML or JSON configs

Data URI Format

When encoding files to Base64 for use in HTML/CSS, the output includes a data URI prefix:

data:[MIME-type];base64,[Base64-encoded-data]

For example: data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KG...

Advantages

  • Reduces HTTP requests by embedding files
  • Works with text-only protocols
  • No external file dependencies
  • Easy to copy and paste
  • Compatible with all text formats

Disadvantages

  • Increases file size by ~33%
  • Not human-readable
  • Cannot be cached separately
  • Larger HTML/CSS files
  • Not suitable for very large files

Best Practices

  • Use for small files (icons, small images)
  • Avoid for large images or videos
  • Consider caching implications
  • Use external files for frequently updated content
  • Test performance impact on page load

Example Usage in HTML

<img src="data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANS..." alt="Logo" />

Example Usage in CSS

background-image: url('data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANS...');