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Base64 encoding for images is a method of representing binary image data as a string of ASCII characters. This allows you to embed images directly into HTML, CSS, or other text-based formats without needing a separate image file.

Converting images to Base64 is useful for embedding small images directly in HTML or CSS, reducing HTTP requests, or when you need to transmit image data as text. It's commonly used for small icons, logos, or background images in web development.

While our tool can handle various image sizes, it's generally recommended to use Base64 encoding for smaller images (usually under 1MB) to avoid excessive file sizes and potential performance issues in web applications.

You can use the Base64 output in your HTML by setting it as the src attribute of an img tag, prefixed with "data:image/[format];base64,". For CSS, you can use it in the background-image property with the url() function.

While Base64 encoding has its benefits, it also has some drawbacks. Base64 encoded images are typically 33% larger than their binary counterparts, which can increase page load times. Additionally, these images can't be cached separately by browsers, potentially impacting performance for repeat visitors.

Yes, our tool supports conversion of various image formats including PNG, JPEG, GIF, WebP, and SVG to Base64. However, it's important to note that some formats may result in larger Base64 strings than others.

While Base64 encoding obfuscates the image data, it is not a form of encryption. Anyone with access to the Base64 string can easily decode it back to the original image. For sensitive images, additional security measures should be implemented.