Base64 Encoder and Decoder
Convert text to Base64 encoding or decode Base64 strings back to original text format.
How to Use the Base64 Converter?
Enter your text or Base64 string and choose to encode or decode it.
What is Base64?
Base64 is a binary-to-text encoding scheme that represents binary data in sequences of 24 bits that can be represented by four 6-bit Base64 digits. It's commonly used for:
- Encoding binary data for transmission over text-based protocols
- Embedding images in HTML/CSS (data URLs)
- Storing complex data in JSON
- Email attachments (MIME)
- Basic authentication in HTTP headers
Base64 Character Set
Base64 uses 64 characters to represent data:
- A-Z: Uppercase letters (26 characters)
- a-z: Lowercase letters (26 characters)
- 0-9: Digits (10 characters)
- +, /: Additional characters (2 characters)
- =: Padding character
Key Features
- Safe for URLs: Base64 encoded strings are URL-safe (with URL encoding)
- Text-based: Converts binary data to printable ASCII characters
- Padding: Uses '=' for padding to ensure proper length
- 33% Larger: Base64 encoded data is approximately 33% larger than original
Common Use Cases
- Data URLs: data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgo...
- API Authentication: Basic Auth headers
- File Storage: Storing binary files in databases
- Email Encoding: MIME email attachments
- Configuration Files: Encoding sensitive data
Important Notes
- Base64 is not encryption - it's just encoding
- Anyone can decode Base64 strings easily
- Use proper encryption for sensitive data
- Base64 increases data size by approximately 33%
- Invalid characters will cause decoding to fail