Understanding the Impact of Encoding Images in Base64

Converting images to Base64 encoding is a common practice in web development. However, it is important to be aware of its effects on file size and website performance.

Size Increase of Base64-Encoded Images

When an image is converted to Base64, it will typically increase in size by approximately 37%. This is because Base64 encoding uses a 6-bit character set to represent 8-bit data, resulting in an expansion of about 33%. Additionally, padding characters are added to ensure the encoded data has a length that is a multiple of 4.

Recommendation for Use on Websites

While Base64 encoding can be useful for certain applications, it is generally not recommended for use with images on websites. The larger file size can significantly impact page load times, especially for images that are frequently accessed.

Instead, it is preferable to compress images using techniques such as JPEG or PNG to reduce their file size without sacrificing quality. This will ensure faster page loading and a better user experience.