Data URI Generator
Convert images to data URIs for embedding directly in CSS, HTML, or JavaScript. Drag and drop any image file to generate a base64-encoded data URI that eliminates the need for external image files.
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Drop an image here or click to browse
Supports PNG, JPG, GIF, SVG, WebP
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Data URI
File Info
Usage Examples
HTML
<img src="data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KG..." alt="Image">CSS
.element {
background-image: url('data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KG...');
}JavaScript
const img = new Image();
img.src = 'data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KG...';
document.body.appendChild(img);What is a Data URI?
A Data URI (Uniform Resource Identifier) is a way to embed small files directly into HTML, CSS, or JavaScript code instead of linking to external files. Data URIs use base64 encoding to represent binary data as text.
The format is: data:[MIME-type];base64,[base64-encoded-data]
Benefits of Data URIs
- Reduce HTTP requests: Embedding images eliminates separate network requests, improving page load times.
- Offline functionality: Images work without external file dependencies, perfect for offline apps.
- Simplify deployment: Everything is contained in a single file, no need to manage image assets separately.
- Email compatibility: Embedded images work in HTML emails without hosting images externally.
- No external dependencies: Useful for widgets, bookmarklets, and single-file applications.
- Cache control: Data URIs are cached with the parent document, not separately.
Limitations & Best Practices
Size Considerations
- Data URIs are ~33% larger than the original file due to base64 encoding
- Best for small images (icons, logos, small graphics under 10KB)
- Large data URIs can slow down page parsing and increase memory usage
- Cannot be cached separately from the parent document
Browser Support
Data URIs are supported in all modern browsers. IE8+ supports data URIs up to 32KB in size.
When to Use
- Small icons and UI elements that don't change frequently
- Images that are critical to initial page render
- Single-file HTML documents or email templates
- Offline applications or browser extensions
When NOT to Use
- Large images (photos, detailed graphics over 50KB)
- Images that need to be cached separately or updated frequently
- Responsive images that need multiple resolutions
- Images used in multiple places (defeats purpose of caching)
Common Use Cases
✓ Inline SVG Icons
Small vector icons embedded directly in CSS or HTML for instant rendering.
✓ Loading Spinners
Animated GIFs or small PNGs that need to display immediately.
✓ Email Templates
Logos and small graphics in HTML emails to avoid blocked images.
✓ Browser Extensions
Icons and UI elements in Chrome/Firefox extensions.
✓ Single-Page Apps
Critical UI elements needed before JavaScript loads.
✓ Favicons
Embed small favicon directly in HTML for offline support.
Performance Tips
- Optimize before encoding: Compress images before converting to data URIs to minimize size.
- Use CSS sprites: For multiple small images, consider CSS sprites with a single data URI.
- Lazy load: For non-critical images, load data URIs dynamically with JavaScript.
- Consider SVG: For icons and simple graphics, inline SVG is often smaller and more scalable.
- Cache strategically: Remember that data URIs are cached with their parent document.
- Monitor bundle size: Large data URIs in CSS/JS increase bundle size and parsing time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What file types can I convert?
Any image format: PNG, JPG, GIF, SVG, WebP, BMP, ICO, and more. The tool preserves the original MIME type.
Is there a file size limit?
This tool limits files to 10MB to prevent browser performance issues. For best results, use images under 50KB.
Are my images uploaded to a server?
No! All processing happens in your browser. Your images never leave your computer, ensuring complete privacy.
Why is the data URI larger than my file?
Base64 encoding increases file size by approximately 33% because it uses text characters to represent binary data.
Can I use data URIs in all browsers?
Yes, all modern browsers fully support data URIs. Internet Explorer 8+ supports them with a 32KB size limit per URI.
Do data URIs affect SEO?
Data URIs don't have separate alt text or file names, so important images should still use regular img tags for SEO.
