What\'s the Smallest Stable Transparent Data URI Image?

Optimizing Transparent Data URI Images: Achieving Minimal Transparency with Stability

In the pursuit of reducing HTTP requests, data URIs have emerged as a convenient solution for embedding small, transparent images. However, the question arises: what is the smallest possible data URI that can create a transparent image?

A Delicate Balance: Size and Stability

Manipulating transparent GIFs can be tricky. While smaller GIFs minimize data consumption, some become unstable, causing CSS glitches. For instance, while a small transparent GIF may display correctly in an tag, setting a background image for that GIF may fail in certain browsers.

Two Options for Transparent Data URIs

Considering this stability factor, there are two options for creating transparent data URIs:

1. Shorter (but Less Stable)

data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==

At 74 bytes, this shorter GIF is prone to instability. It may not work in combination with CSS backgrounds.

2. Stable but Slightly Longer

data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7

This slightly longer GIF, at 78 bytes, offers stability. It allows for seamless use of CSS backgrounds without encountering glitches.

Cautions to Consider

• Ensure that the image/gif type is not omitted, as suggested in some comments, as it may cause malfunction in browsers.
• Note that while using data URIs for sprites can reduce HTTP requests, maintaining CSS-based sprites offers better control and maintainability.

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