Data URI vs Base64 for SVG Embedding
Both methods embed SVG inline without external files, but they differ in size and compatibility.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Data URI (URL-encoded) | Base64 |
|---|---|---|
| Size Overhead | ~10-20% (URL encoding) | ~33% (Base64 encoding) |
| Readability | Partially readable | Not human-readable |
| CSS Compatibility | All modern browsers | Universal |
| HTML Embedding | CSS only | CSS, img src, both |
Data URI (URL-encoded) Pros
- +Smaller output
- +Partially human-readable
- +Good browser support
Data URI (URL-encoded) Cons
- -Requires careful escaping
- -CSS-only usage
Base64 Pros
- +Universal compatibility
- +Works in img tags
- +No escaping issues
Base64 Cons
- -33% larger than source
- -Not readable
When to Use Data URI (URL-encoded)
Use URL-encoded data URIs for CSS backgrounds where file size matters.
When to Use Base64
Use Base64 when you need maximum compatibility or when embedding in img src attributes.