In JavaScript, how can I convert a file to base64?

Problem

In addition, the TypeScript version of UPD is included in the replies.

This line now returns a File object:

file = document.querySelector('#files > input[type="file"]').files[0]

I need to send this file in base 64 through json. To convert it to a base64 string, what should I do?

Asked by Vassily

Solution #1

Using the FileReader class, try this solution:

function getBase64(file) {
   var reader = new FileReader();
   reader.readAsDataURL(file);
   reader.onload = function () {
     console.log(reader.result);
   };
   reader.onerror = function (error) {
     console.log('Error: ', error);
   };
}

var file = document.querySelector('#files > input[type="file"]').files[0];
getBase64(file); // prints the base64 string

It’s important to note that.files[0] is a File type, which is a subclass of Blob. As a result, it’s compatible with FileReader. Take a look at the whole working example.

Answered by Dmitri Pavlutin

Solution #2

(async/await) is a modern ES6 way of doing things.

const toBase64 = file => new Promise((resolve, reject) => {
    const reader = new FileReader();
    reader.readAsDataURL(file);
    reader.onload = () => resolve(reader.result);
    reader.onerror = error => reject(error);
});

async function Main() {
   const file = document.querySelector('#myfile').files[0];
   console.log(await toBase64(file));
}

Main();

UPD:

If you’re looking for a way to catch errors,

async function Main() {
   const file = document.querySelector('#myfile').files[0];
   const result = await toBase64(file).catch(e => Error(e));
   if(result instanceof Error) {
      console.log('Error: ', result.message);
      return;
   }
   //...
}

Answered by Дмитрий Васильев

Solution #3

If you’re looking for a promise-based solution, check out @Dmitri’s code:

function getBase64(file) {
  return new Promise((resolve, reject) => {
    const reader = new FileReader();
    reader.readAsDataURL(file);
    reader.onload = () => resolve(reader.result);
    reader.onerror = error => reject(error);
  });
}

var file = document.querySelector('#files > input[type="file"]').files[0];
getBase64(file).then(
  data => console.log(data)
);

Answered by joshua.paling

Solution #4

Based on Dmitri Pavlutin and joshua.paling’s responses, here’s an updated version that extracts the base64 content (removing the metadata at the start) and ensures proper padding.

function getBase64(file) {
  return new Promise((resolve, reject) => {
    const reader = new FileReader();
    reader.readAsDataURL(file);
    reader.onload = () => {
      let encoded = reader.result.toString().replace(/^data:(.*,)?/, '');
      if ((encoded.length % 4) > 0) {
        encoded += '='.repeat(4 - (encoded.length % 4));
      }
      resolve(encoded);
    };
    reader.onerror = error => reject(error);
  });
}

Answered by Arnaud P

Solution #5

The btoa() function in JavaScript can be used to convert data to a base64 encoded text.

<div>
    <div>
        <label for="filePicker">Choose or drag a file:</label><br>
        <input type="file" id="filePicker">
    </div>
    <br>
    <div>
        <h1>Base64 encoded version</h1>
        <textarea id="base64textarea" 
                  placeholder="Base64 will appear here" 
                  cols="50" rows="15"></textarea>
    </div>
</div>

var handleFileSelect = function(evt) {
    var files = evt.target.files;
    var file = files[0];

    if (files && file) {
        var reader = new FileReader();

        reader.onload = function(readerEvt) {
            var binaryString = readerEvt.target.result;
            document.getElementById("base64textarea").value = btoa(binaryString);
        };

        reader.readAsBinaryString(file);
    }
};

if (window.File && window.FileReader && window.FileList && window.Blob) {
    document.getElementById('filePicker')
            .addEventListener('change', handleFileSelect, false);
} else {
    alert('The File APIs are not fully supported in this browser.');
}

Answered by Pranav Maniar

Post is based on https://stackoverflow.com/questions/36280818/how-to-convert-file-to-base64-in-javascript