Base64 Encoder & Decoder
Encode text to Base64 or decode Base64 to text instantly. Supports UTF-8 characters and URL-safe encoding.
Input
0 characters
Output
Why use Base64 encoding?
Base64 converts binary data into ASCII text, making it safe to transmit through systems that only handle text. It's essential for embedding data in URLs, storing binary in databases, and working with APIs that expect text input.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Base64 encoding?
Base64 is a binary-to-text encoding scheme that converts binary data into ASCII characters. It's commonly used to embed images in HTML/CSS, send data in URLs, or store binary data in text-only systems.
Why would I need Base64 encoding?
Base64 is useful when you need to safely transmit binary data through text-based protocols like email or JSON, embed images directly in HTML, or store binary data in databases that only support text.
Does Base64 increase file size?
Yes, Base64 encoding increases data size by approximately 33%. This is because it converts 3 bytes of binary data into 4 ASCII characters. Consider this when encoding large files.
Is Base64 encoding secure?
No, Base64 is an encoding method, not encryption. It's easily reversible and shouldn't be used for security purposes. Anyone can decode Base64 data without any key or password.
Can I encode/decode files?
Yes! Our tool supports both text and file encoding/decoding. You can encode images, documents, or any binary file to Base64, and decode Base64 strings back to their original format.