File to Base64

Function: File to Base64

This action takes any file you provide and converts its entire content into a special text format called Base64. This format is often used when you need to embed file data directly into text-based systems, like web pages, emails, or certain API requests, without needing to upload the file separately. It's a way to represent binary data (like images, documents, or videos) as a sequence of printable ASCII characters.

Input

• File: The file you want to convert into a Base64 string. This could be an image, a document, a PDF, or any other file type.

Output

• Output: The resulting Base64 encoded string of your file's content. This will be a long string of characters that represents your original file. By default, this output will be stored in a variable named BASE64_FILE, but you can choose a different name.

Execution Flow

Real-Life Examples

Example 1: Embedding an Image in an Email Template

• Scenario: You want to send an email with a small company logo embedded directly within the email body, rather than as an attachment or a link to an external image.
• Inputs:
  • File: Select your company_logo.png image file.
• Result: The company_logo.png file is converted into a Base64 string. You can then use this string in your email template's HTML to display the logo directly, ensuring it always appears even if the recipient's email client blocks external images.

Example 2: Storing a Document in a Database Text Field

• Scenario: Your database has a field that can only store text, but you need to save a small PDF document associated with a record.
• Inputs:
  • File: Select your invoice_details.pdf document.
• Result: The invoice_details.pdf is transformed into a Base64 string. This string can then be stored in the text field of your database, allowing you to retrieve and reconstruct the original PDF later when needed.

Example 3: Preparing a File for an API Request

• Scenario: You are integrating with an external service via an API that requires file uploads to be sent as Base64 encoded strings within the JSON request body.
• Inputs:
  • File: Select your user_profile_picture.jpeg file.
• Result: The user_profile_picture.jpeg is converted into a Base64 string. This string can then be included as a value in the JSON payload of your API call, fulfilling the service's requirement for file transfer.