PNG to Base64 Converter

Convert PNG images to Base64 encoded strings for embedding directly in HTML, CSS, or JavaScript. Base64 encoding eliminates the need for separate image files, reducing HTTP requests and simplifying deployment. Works great with our Image Resizer for optimizing images before encoding.

Drop your PNG files here

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PNG Batch Upload
Max 5MB per file for optimal encoding
Related Tools:
Base64 to PNG Compress PNG PNG to WebP Image Resizer PNG Analyzer PNG to ICO

How to Convert PNG to Base64

  1. Upload your PNG images by dragging and dropping or clicking the upload area. You can select multiple files at once for batch processing.
  2. Choose your output format: Select from Data URL, raw Base64, HTML img tag, CSS background-image, or JSON format depending on your use case.
  3. Configure options: Enable line breaks for better code readability or include filenames as comments and alt attributes.
  4. Copy or download: Copy the encoded string to your clipboard or download all results as a text file.
Pro tip: For smaller Base64 strings, use our PNG Compressor before encoding, or convert to WebP which is often 25-35% smaller than PNG.

Output Formats Explained

Data URL

The most common format for embedding images. Includes the MIME type prefix (data:image/png;base64,) and can be used directly in src attributes or CSS. Perfect for inline images in HTML or JavaScript.

Raw Base64

The pure encoded string without any prefix or formatting. Use this when you need to process the data further, store it in a database, or when you'll add the MIME type prefix yourself. Common for API integrations.

HTML img Tag

Ready-to-use HTML code with the image embedded. Copy directly into your HTML files. Includes optional alt attribute from the filename for accessibility. Great for email templates.

CSS Background

Complete background-image CSS property declaration. Paste directly into your stylesheet or inline styles. Ideal for icons, patterns, and decorative images that don't need alt text.

JSON Format

Structured JSON object containing filename, dimensions, file size, and the Base64 data. Perfect for APIs, configuration files, or when you need metadata alongside the image data.

When to Use Base64 Encoding

Good For

  • Small icons and logos (under 10KB)
  • Email templates (images won't be blocked)
  • Single-file HTML documents
  • Reducing HTTP requests for tiny images
  • CSS sprites and background patterns
  • Offline-capable applications

Not Ideal For

  • Large images (over 100KB) - use compression instead
  • Images that change frequently
  • SEO-important images (can't be indexed)
  • When browser caching is beneficial
  • Large photo galleries

Frequently Asked Questions

Base64 is a binary-to-text encoding scheme that represents binary data (like images) as ASCII text. It uses 64 characters (A-Z, a-z, 0-9, +, /) to encode data. This allows binary files to be embedded directly in text-based formats like HTML, CSS, JSON, and XML.

Base64 encoding increases file size by approximately 33% because it represents 3 bytes of binary data using 4 ASCII characters. Each Base64 character encodes 6 bits, so 8-bit bytes require more characters to represent. For smaller images, this overhead is usually worth the convenience of inline embedding.

Yes! Base64 images are excellent for email templates because they're embedded directly in the HTML. Unlike linked images, Base64 images won't be blocked by email clients that disable external images by default. However, be mindful of email size limits - most providers allow 10-25MB per email. Use our PNG Compressor first for optimal results.

Base64 is an encoding scheme, not encryption. Anyone can decode Base64 back to the original data. Don't use Base64 to hide sensitive information. For actual image security, consider watermarking with our Watermark Maker or access controls on your server.

A Data URL includes the MIME type prefix (data:image/png;base64,) before the Base64 string, making it ready to use directly in HTML src attributes or CSS. Raw Base64 is just the encoded string without the prefix - you'd add the MIME type yourself when needed. Use Data URL for direct embedding, raw Base64 for APIs or when processing the data further.

Use our Base64 to PNG converter to decode Base64 strings back into PNG images. Just paste the encoded string (with or without the Data URL prefix) and download the original image.

No. All Base64 encoding happens entirely in your browser using JavaScript. Your images never leave your device and are not uploaded to our servers. This ensures complete privacy and security for your files.