What is Base64 encoding?

Base64 is a binary-to-text encoding scheme that represents binary data in an ASCII string format. It uses 64 characters (A–Z, a–z, 0–9, +, /) and padding (=) to encode any data into a text-safe format.

Is Base64 encoding the same as encryption?

No. Base64 is an encoding scheme, not encryption. Anyone can decode a Base64 string. It provides no confidentiality or security. Never use Base64 as a substitute for proper encryption.

Why does Base64 make data larger?

Base64 encodes every 3 bytes of input into 4 ASCII characters, resulting in approximately 33% larger output. This trade-off allows binary data to be safely transmitted over text-based protocols.

What are common uses of Base64?

Common uses include: data URIs for embedding images in HTML/CSS, encoding credentials in HTTP Basic Authentication headers, encoding email attachments (MIME), and transmitting binary data in JSON or XML payloads.

Does this tool handle Unicode text?

Yes. This tool properly encodes and decodes UTF-8 text, including special characters, accented letters, and emoji.

Developer Tools

Base64 Encode & Decode

Encode text to Base64 or decode Base64 strings back to plain text. Useful for data URIs, API tokens, email encoding, and embedding binary data in text formats like JSON or XML.

Text input

1 line • 34 chars

Paste text, keep line numbers visible, and convert or copy the Base64 output without leaving fullscreen mode.

Quick examples

Base64 output

SGVsbG8sIEFpc2hhLiBZb3VyIGJ1aWxkIGlzIHJlYWR5Lg==

Usage notes

Base64 encoding increases data size by approximately 33%. It is not encryption — it provides no security.
Use Base64 for embedding small images in HTML/CSS via data URIs or for transmitting binary data over text-only protocols.
Common use cases: encoding API credentials in HTTP headers, embedding fonts, and working with email MIME attachments.

Developer Tools JSON Formatter JSON Validator

How to Use This Tool

1Choose Encode or Decode mode using the buttons at the top.
2Paste or type your text in the input area.
3Click the Convert button to process.
4Copy the result using the Copy button or select it from the output area.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Base64 encoding?: Base64 is a binary-to-text encoding scheme that represents binary data in an ASCII string format. It uses 64 characters (A–Z, a–z, 0–9, +, /) and padding (=) to encode any data into a text-safe format.
Is Base64 encoding the same as encryption?: No. Base64 is an encoding scheme, not encryption. Anyone can decode a Base64 string. It provides no confidentiality or security. Never use Base64 as a substitute for proper encryption.
Why does Base64 make data larger?: Base64 encodes every 3 bytes of input into 4 ASCII characters, resulting in approximately 33% larger output. This trade-off allows binary data to be safely transmitted over text-based protocols.
What are common uses of Base64?: Common uses include: data URIs for embedding images in HTML/CSS, encoding credentials in HTTP Basic Authentication headers, encoding email attachments (MIME), and transmitting binary data in JSON or XML payloads.
Does this tool handle Unicode text?: Yes. This tool properly encodes and decodes UTF-8 text, including special characters, accented letters, and emoji.

Base64 Encode & Decode

Usage notes

Related pages

How to Use This Tool

Frequently Asked Questions