Base64 encoding converts binary image data into a text string that can be embedded directly in HTML, CSS, or JavaScript. This eliminates the need for separate image file requests, which can improve performance for very small images.
Base64 encoding increases file size by approximately 33% compared to the binary image. This means it is only beneficial for small images (under 2KB) where the HTTP request overhead would be larger than the size increase.
Common use cases include tiny icons, 1x1 pixel tracking images, SVG backgrounds in CSS, and small UI elements that appear on every page.
With ImgTools, you can prepare images by compressing and resizing them to the smallest practical size before encoding. Use external Base64 encoding tools for the actual conversion.
All processing happens locally in your browser.