# Image ↔ Base64

> Browser-only file conversion. Selected files are processed on this device and are not uploaded to a conversion server.

Source: https://localconverter.tech/image-base64

Encode an image as Base64 text or a data URI, or restore a supported image from a Base64 representation. Use it when moving small image assets through text-based configuration or inspecting an embedded image value. The operation changes representation rather than compressing the picture, so text output can be larger than the file.

## Useful tasks

- Create a data URI for a small icon
- Restore a supplied Base64 image
- Produce bare Base64 for a text-based integration

## Steps

1. **Choose the representation direction**: Select Image to Base64 for an image file, or Base64 to image for entered text or a text file. Use a supported image format for the chosen direction.
2. **Add the source content**: Upload the image or provide its Base64 text. A data URI can include the media-type prefix; bare Base64 is also accepted when restoring supported image content.
3. **Set prefix and create result**: For encoding, decide whether to include the data URI prefix, then run Create result. Decoding validates the Base64 and checks that the restored bytes form a supported image.
4. **Inspect the restored or encoded copy**: Download the text or image and test it in the destination. Check the media-type prefix when embedding text and inspect restored dimensions and appearance after decoding.

## Settings

- **Direction**: Choose direction according to the result you need. Available choices: Image to Base64; Base64 to image. The initial selection is Image to Base64.
- **Include the data URI prefix**: Turn “Include the data URI prefix” on only when it matches your intended result. The initial state is on. Read the workflow and output limitations below when this changes how the original content is processed.

## A small icon as a data URI

A self-contained SVG icon needs to be embedded in a text-based configuration. Choose encoding with the data URI prefix enabled and create the result. Copy the downloaded value into the intended field and test the icon’s appearance in that application.

## Check the result

Choose a file or enter text where available. Review the settings, create your result and download the new copy. Processing stays on this computer. Input and expansion limits apply; originals are never overwritten. Open the saved output in the app or workflow where you plan to use it. Check one representative result before repeating the same settings with more files. The original files stay unchanged.

## Limits

- Files are processed on this device. Browser memory and engine-specific limits apply. Save results before reloading.
- Processing stays on this computer. Input and expansion limits apply; originals are never overwritten.
- Upload one file with a combined size of at most 100 MB. The completed output must fit within 200 MB.
- Pasted text and uploaded text have operation-specific UTF-8 byte limits. Productivity tools accept up to 1 MiB (1,048,576 bytes); non-ASCII characters can use several bytes each. If a file is selected, it takes priority over pasted text.
- Selections and completed jobs stay available while you navigate inside this tab. Use My files to revisit results. Reloading or closing the tab clears the workspace; download results you want to keep first.

## Questions

### Does Base64 reduce image size?

No. Base64 is a text representation of binary bytes and typically needs more characters than the original byte count. Use image compression or resizing first when storage or transfer size is the main concern for the asset.

### What does the data URI prefix add?

It adds a media type and a base64 marker before the encoded image data, such as data:image/png;base64,. Some destination fields expect that full value while others want only the Base64 payload, so follow the integration’s expected syntax.

### Does decoding accept any binary file?

No. Decoded bytes must form a supported image, and SVG content is checked for supported self-contained content. A Base64 value for an unrelated archive or document is not treated as an image simply because its syntax is valid.

### Can I paste text instead of uploading it?

Yes. The page supports text input for Base64 values as well as file input. Use a complete value with valid padding and content, and avoid unrelated quotation marks or escaped wrappers from a surrounding configuration file.

### Does Image ↔ Base64 upload files to another service?

Processing runs in this browser, on your device. Files and pasted input are not uploaded to a conversion server. The website and required engine assets must load first; large operations depend on available device memory.

### Can I continue after changing pages?

Selections and completed jobs stay available while you navigate inside this tab. Use My files to revisit results. Reloading or closing the tab clears the workspace; download results you want to keep first.

## Related guides

- [Compress image](https://localconverter.tech/compress-image.md)
- [Resize image](https://localconverter.tech/resize-image.md)
- [Crop & rotate image](https://localconverter.tech/crop-image.md)
- [HEIC / HEIF converter](https://localconverter.tech/heic-converter.md)
- [JPG to JPG](https://localconverter.tech/jpg-to-jpg.md)
- [JPG to PNG](https://localconverter.tech/jpg-to-png.md)