@Craig's note: base64_encode() is better suited for that. In fact, it produces smaller output and operates slightly faster. I did a little benchmark -- here are my findings:File: JPG, 631614 bytes== Base64 ==execution time: 0.0039639472961426 secsoutput length: 842152== UUencode ==execution time: 0.004105806350708 secsoutput length: 870226