Why would I encode a file as Base64?+
Base64 lets you embed binary files in text-only contexts: JSON API payloads, HTML data URIs (src='data:image/png;base64,...'), CSS backgrounds, email MIME attachments, and environment variables.
How much does Base64 increase file size?+
Base64 encoding increases file size by approximately 33%. A 100 KB image becomes about 133 KB when Base64 encoded. This is the trade-off for embedding binary in text formats.
How do I create an HTML data URI from an image?+
Upload your image, copy the Base64 string, and use it as the src attribute with a data URI prefix. The image is embedded directly in the HTML without a separate file request.
Is Base64 encoding the same as encryption?+
No. Base64 is encoding, not encryption. Anyone can decode a Base64 string instantly - it provides no security. Use proper encryption (AES, RSA) when data needs to be protected.