An SVG Data URI is a way to embed SVG images directly into HTML or CSS without needing a separate file. It encodes the SVG markup into a string prefixed with data:image/svg+xml, followed by either a URL-encoded or Base64-encoded version of the SVG code. This technique reduces HTTP requests and is ideal for small icons, logos, and decorative elements in web pages.

URL-encoded (charset=utf8) keeps the SVG mostly human-readable and is often slightly smaller for simple SVGs. However, special characters like # must be percent-encoded (as %23), which can cause issues in CSS if not handled carefully.

Base64 encoding produces a fully opaque string that is safe to use anywhere — in CSS url(), <img> tags, and even in markdown. It's slightly larger (~33% overhead) but maximally compatible. We recommend Base64 for CSS backgrounds to avoid escaping pitfalls.

Simply copy the CSS Background output from this tool. It produces a ready-to-use declaration like:
background-image: url("data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0i...");

You can paste this directly into your stylesheet. For better compatibility, always wrap the Data URI in double quotes inside url(). This is especially important for URL-encoded versions that may contain unescaped characters.

The optimizer performs several safe transformations:
• Removes XML declarations (<?xml...?>) and DOCTYPE
• Strips HTML/SVG comments (<!-- ... -->)
• Collapses multiple whitespace characters into single spaces
• Removes whitespace between tags (> < → ><)

These optimizations typically reduce SVG size by 10–40% without affecting rendering. The original SVG structure within <text> elements is preserved to avoid breaking text content.

Yes — for small, frequently-used icons. Embedding SVGs as Data URIs eliminates HTTP round-trips, which can be a net win for critical above-the-fold assets. However, for large or complex SVGs, external files with proper caching headers may perform better. A good rule of thumb: if the encoded SVG is under 2–3 KB, inlining is usually beneficial. This tool shows you the exact size so you can make an informed decision.

Yes. SVG Data URIs are supported in all modern browsers, including Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge — both on desktop and mobile. Base64-encoded SVGs work everywhere, including older browsers. URL-encoded SVGs with charset=utf8 are supported in IE9+ and all modern browsers. For maximum compatibility (including email clients and older tools), Base64 is the safer choice.

Absolutely! Both URL-encoded and Base64 Data URIs work directly in <img src="..."> attributes. Simply copy the Data URI (without the CSS wrapper) and use it as the src value. This is great for static site generators, email templates, and situations where you want self-contained HTML files without external image dependencies.