# Image to Base64

> Encode an image as a Base64 data URL.

[Open tool](https://www.toolcabana.com/ff/image-to-base64) · [Images and design](https://www.toolcabana.com/ff/category/images-and-design)

Tool ID: image-to-base64. Requested language: ff. Description language: en. Complete guide translation: no; untranslated sections use English.

## Overview (en)

Image to Base64 encodes an image file into a Base64 data URL that begins with data:image/ and the file type. The original bytes are encoded unchanged, so the format, quality and any embedded metadata are preserved. You can copy the string or download it as image-base64.txt for use in HTML, CSS or JSON.

## Supported tasks (en)

Encode an image as a Base64 data URL.

## Steps (en)

1. Choose a source file. If the tool accepts multiple files, arrange them in the order you want.
2. Check the source format before running the operation.
3. Run image to base64, review the output, then use the available copy or download controls.

## Settings

No additional settings.

## Limitations (en)

Images are limited to 32 megapixels and 16,000 pixels per side. Most operations accept one source; supported batch operations produce a ZIP archive.

## Privacy and connections (en)

This operation processes its source in your browser. Copy and download are explicit actions; source input is not saved in an account or history.

## Questions (en)

### How do I use a Base64 image in HTML or CSS?

Paste the full data URL as the src of an img element or inside url() in a CSS background property. The string already includes the data:image prefix and MIME type, so no extra formatting is needed.

### Does converting an image to Base64 remove EXIF data?

No. The file is encoded byte for byte, so EXIF, GPS and other embedded metadata remain inside the Base64 string. Strip the metadata first if you plan to publish the encoded image.

### Why is the Base64 string bigger than my image file?

Base64 represents every 3 bytes of binary data with 4 text characters, so the encoded string is roughly a third larger than the original file. Large images therefore produce very long strings.

### Where is my input processed?

This operation processes its source in your browser. Copy and download are explicit actions; source input is not saved in an account or history.

### What are the input limits?

Images are limited to 32 megapixels and 16,000 pixels per side. Most operations accept one source; supported batch operations produce a ZIP archive.

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