Encode a PDF as Base64
Select a PDF and generate raw Base64, a complete PDF data URL, formatted JSON or a JavaScript download snippet. The encoding preserves the original PDF bytes so the result can be decoded back to the same file.
PDF Base64 encoder
PDF to Base64 Converter
Convert a PDF file into raw Base64, a reusable data URL, JSON or JavaScript directly in your browser. Your document never leaves your device.
Output
Waiting for inputBase64 output
Your Base64 output will appear here
Choose a PDF to generate raw Base64, a data URL, JSON or JavaScript output for development workflows.
Raw Base64Data URLLocal processing
Your PDF stays on your device
The browser reads the selected PDF with local file APIs and converts its bytes directly. No backend endpoint, temporary upload or cloud storage is required for the encoding workflow.
Base64 is larger than the PDF
Base64 normally adds roughly one third to the original binary size. The result panel shows source and encoded sizes so you can judge whether Base64 is suitable for an API payload, inline resource or storage format.
How to convert PDF to Base64
- Drop a PDF into the converter or choose it from your device.
- Click Convert PDF to Base64.
- Choose Raw Base64, Data URL, JSON or JavaScript output.
- Copy the encoded value or download it as text for later use.
Raw Base64 is usually best when an API already defines the MIME type separately. A data URL adds the data:application/pdf;base64, prefix and is convenient for browser previews. JSON and JavaScript outputs add reusable wrappers for common development workflows.
When PDF to Base64 makes sense
PDF-to-Base64 encoding is useful when a system expects binary documents inside a text-only transport such as JSON, when you need an inline browser data URL, or when you are testing a document API and want a copyable representation of a PDF. Base64 does not make the document smaller and is usually less efficient than transferring the original PDF when normal binary uploads are available.
To reverse the process, open Base64 to PDF. If your goal is to convert pages to images, merge documents, split pages or reduce file size, use the broader PDF Tools collection instead.
PDF to Base64 FAQ
Does Base64 compress the PDF?
No. Base64 is an encoding format, not compression. The encoded text is normally about one third larger than the original PDF binary.
Which PDF Base64 output should I use?
Use raw Base64 when a receiving system already knows the file type, a data URL for browser-oriented workflows, JSON for structured API payloads and JavaScript for reusable browser code.
Can I encode a password-protected PDF?
Yes. The tool encodes the original bytes without opening or editing the document, so existing password protection remains part of the PDF data.
Is my PDF uploaded to a server?
No. The PDF is read and encoded locally in your browser. The file does not need to be uploaded to a conversion server to generate the Base64 output.
PDF workflow
Continue with PDF and Base64 tools
Decode Base64 back to PDF or use another browser-based PDF workflow.