Dev Tools · 1h ago
When to inline images as Base64: a practical guide for web devs
Base64 image data URIs embed images directly in HTML, saving HTTP requests but increasing file size by about 33%. They are best for tiny icons, single-file deliverables, and prototypes where caching is not critical. For large or reused images, external files with caching and lazy loading are more efficient.
Meridian48 take
The article offers solid, practical advice but is more of a refresher than a breakthrough; its value lies in reminding developers that HTTP/2 and HTTP/3 have reduced the penalty of extra requests, making Base64 less of a performance win than it used to be.
base64-imagesweb-performance