Hi,
thanks for the question.
It’s not actually CSS code that is base64 encoded there. It’s a font file that is then loaded inline, instead of having to do another HTTP request. This is called “Data URI scheme” and you can find more about it here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Data_URI_scheme
So, this is no extra compression, but just the used format for (binary) data in a CSS file.
And no, this is neither dangerous, nor do Google or other search engines care about this, as it’s just in CSS files.
Regards,
Tobias
Hi there Tobias
I don’t understand why you need a font for a table plugin.
In other words I can tell you that scripts that checks broken link like Xenu or plugin that checks malicious scripts are searching for specific text like “base64” and report false error. Please check Theme-Check plugin, Theme Test Drive plugin, Exploit Scanner plugin, etc.
If the font is not 100% percent necessary please let user to decide if they want that font or not.
Best regards
Hi,
the font is used for the sorting and pagination arrow images. Please see https://tablepress.org/release-announcement-tablepress-0-9-rc/ for more information.
Basically, this is not a font with regular letters, but a font with icons or images. This has the advantage that the browser does not have to load (at least) five different images files in five different HTTP requests, that the images/arrows will look sharp in all sizes and resolutions (for example on regular and on retina displays), and that font attributes, like color or shadows can easily be changed or applied.
I understand that there are plugins that search for “base64”, but I these are indeed false errors in this case. Not everything that can be done with “base64” is bad or evil, as this demonstrates.
So, the icon font (and with that the inclusion of the font into the CSS file via “base64”) is here to stay, due to all the advantages it brings.
Regards,
Tobias
Hi there Tobias
I understand all the advantages and I agree with you. The pictures you talked about can be done with CSS Sprite and be included in a very small file but the advantages of colors and sharpness on every size will disappear. If Google will report something I’ll kindly ask you to add an option to choose between font and CSS sprite + one image.
Best regards
Hi,
yes, a sprite would work, but still doesn’t have all the benefits, just as you mentioned.
And don’t worry, Google will not complain about this! This is a modern technique that more and more sites will be using soon.
However, if you are really bothered by this, you could install this TablePress Extension: http://tablepress.org/extensions/ie7-compatibility-css/
That replaces the current/modern default CSS with the styling of the old WP-Table Reloaded plugin, which still uses images instead of that icon font. But I really wouldn’t recommend that.
Best wishes,
Tobias
