Base64 Encoder/Decoder
Base64 is an encoding scheme that represents binary data using 64 ASCII characters, letting binary content travel safely through text-only systems like email, JSON, or HTML. This free tool encodes text to Base64 and decodes Base64 strings back to readable text instantly, with all processing done privately in your browser.
Base64 output
The result appears here as you type.
How to encode or decode Base64
- Paste your text or Base64 string into the input field.
- Choose Encode to convert text to Base64, or Decode to convert Base64 back to text.
- Read the converted output instantly.
- Copy the result for use in your data URI, API payload, or configuration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Base64 encoding?
Base64 is an encoding scheme that converts binary data into a text format using 64 ASCII characters (A-Z, a-z, 0-9, +, /). It's commonly used to transmit binary data over systems that can only handle text, such as email attachments or embedding images in HTML/CSS.
When should I use Base64 encoding?
Use Base64 when you need to transmit binary data in text-only environments, embed images or files directly in HTML/CSS/JSON, send non-ASCII characters in legacy systems, or store binary data in text formats like XML or JSON.
What's the drawback of Base64 encoding?
The main drawback is increased size: Base64 encoding increases data size by approximately 33% compared to the original binary data. This makes it less efficient for storage and transmission, so it should only be used when necessary.
Is Base64 a form of encryption?
No, Base64 is not encryption: it's merely an encoding transformation. It doesn't provide any security or confidentiality. The data can be easily decoded by anyone with a Base64 decoder, so it should never be used to protect sensitive information.
Can all types of files be Base64 encoded?
Yes, any type of binary data can be Base64 encoded, including images, PDFs, ZIP files, or any other file format. The resulting Base64 string can then be decoded back into the original binary data without loss of information.
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