About encoding images as Base64
Encoding an image as Base64 turns it into a text string you can embed directly in HTML, CSS or JSON as a data URL — no separate image file required. It is handy for small icons and inline graphics that should load with the page.
What is Base64?
Base64 encodes binary data as plain ASCII text so it can travel safely through systems built for text, such as email, JSON and data URLs. It is not encryption — anyone can decode it — but it keeps binary intact wherever only text is allowed.
Why Base64?
Base64 is a great choice when you need embedding files in json or html and data urls.
What Base64 gives you: survives text-only systems, universally supported and simple and reversible.
Tips
- Best for small images — Base64 adds about a third to the size.
- Embed the result as a data URL in your HTML or CSS.
- Large images are better left as normal files for performance.