What Is Image Base64 Encoding?
Base64 is an encoding scheme that converts binary data into an ASCII string. When you encode an image as Base64, you get a plain-text string like data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgo.... This format — called a Data URL — can be embedded directly in HTML, CSS, or JSON without needing to save the image as a separate file and reference it by URL.
Base64-encoded data is about 33% larger than the original binary, so it's best suited for small images such as icons, logos, or placeholders. Avoid using it for large photographs.
Key Features of MeTool Image to Base64
Data URL and Pure Base64
The tool offers two output formats:
• Data URL: Includes the full MIME prefix (e.g. data:image/png;base64,), so you can paste it straight into an HTML img src or a CSS background-image url().
• Pure Base64: The raw encoded string without the prefix — ideal for API payloads or when you need to construct the prefix yourself.
One-Click Copy
Click the copy button and the string is written to your clipboard instantly, ready to paste into any editor, terminal, or API testing tool — no manual text selection needed.
Live Image Preview
Your image is rendered immediately after upload so you can confirm it's the right file before using the encoded string.
How to Convert an Image to Base64 with MeTool
- Upload an image: Click the upload area or drag and drop a file. Supports JPG, PNG, WebP, GIF, SVG, and more.
- Choose output format: Select 'Data URL (with prefix)' to paste directly, or 'Pure Base64' if you need to build the prefix yourself.
- Copy and use: Click the copy button, paste the encoded string wherever you need it — done.