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Base64 Encoder & Decoder

Encode and decode Base64 strings instantly in your browser

Interactive tool

Text to encode

drop a file

Base64 output

Read-only

What is Base64 Encoding?

Base64 is an encoding scheme that converts binary data into ASCII text format using 64 printable characters (A-Z, a-z, 0-9, +, /). It is commonly used to encode data that needs to be stored or transferred over media designed to handle text, such as email attachments, data URLs, and JSON.

How to Use This Base64 Tool

  1. 1Choose "Encode" to convert text to Base64, or "Decode" to convert Base64 to text
  2. 2Paste or type your text or Base64 string in the input field
  3. 3Click the "Encode" or "Decode" button
  4. 4Copy the result or download it as a file
What you get

Key features

Instant Conversion

Encode and decode Base64 instantly in your browser

UTF-8 Support

Full Unicode support for international characters

Two-Way Conversion

Both encode text to Base64 and decode Base64 to text

Error Validation

Detects and reports invalid Base64 strings

File Support

Encode files to Base64 or decode Base64 to files

Copy & Download

Copy to clipboard or download results as files

100% Private

All processing happens in your browser, no server upload

Free Forever

No registration, no limits, completely free

Why Use Base64 Encoding?

Base64 encoding is essential when you need to transmit binary data over systems that only support text. It ensures data integrity during transmission and is widely used in web development, email systems, and data storage. Common use cases include embedding images in HTML/CSS, storing binary data in JSON, and encoding authentication credentials.

Common use cases

  • Embedding images in HTML or CSS as data URLs
  • Encoding binary files for JSON or XML transmission
  • Storing binary data in text-based databases
  • Encoding authentication credentials for Basic Auth
  • Creating data URLs for web applications
  • Converting files to Base64 for API requests

Understanding Base64

Base64 encoding converts every 3 bytes of binary data into 4 ASCII characters. This results in approximately 33% size increase, but ensures data can be safely transmitted through text-only systems. The encoded data uses only characters that are safe across all text-based protocols.

Common Base64 Use Cases in Development

  • Data URLs in CSS for small images and icons
  • JWT tokens for authentication
  • API requests with binary payloads
  • Email attachments (MIME encoding)
  • XML/JSON data with binary content
  • Storing images in NoSQL databases
Pro tips

Tips & best practices

Base64 increases size by 33%

Encoded data is larger than the original. Use compression for large files.

Not encryption

Base64 is encoding, not encryption. Anyone can decode it. Do not use for sensitive data.

Remove whitespace when decoding

Base64 strings should not contain spaces or line breaks. Our tool removes them automatically.

Check for padding

Valid Base64 strings may end with = or == for padding. This is normal.

Use for data URLs

Embed small images directly in HTML/CSS using Base64 data URLs for faster loading.

Built for trust

Privacy & security

This Base64 encoder and decoder runs entirely in your web browser. Your data is never uploaded to any server, stored in any database, or transmitted anywhere. All conversions happen locally on your device. It is 100% private and secure.

Related tools

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Base64 encoding?

Base64 is an encoding scheme that converts binary data into ASCII text format using 64 printable characters. It is commonly used to encode data for transmission over text-based protocols like email or HTTP.

Is Base64 encoding the same as encryption?

No, Base64 is encoding, not encryption. It makes data unreadable at first glance, but anyone can easily decode it. Never use Base64 alone for sensitive data - use proper encryption instead.

Why does Base64 increase the file size?

Base64 encoding increases size by approximately 33% because it converts every 3 bytes of binary data into 4 ASCII characters. This overhead is the cost of making binary data safe for text-based transmission.

Can I encode files to Base64?

Yes, this tool supports encoding text to Base64 and decoding Base64 back to text. For files, you can read the file content and encode it using our tool.

Is my data safe when using this tool?

Yes, this Base64 encoder/decoder runs entirely in your web browser. Your data is never uploaded to any server or stored anywhere. All conversions happen locally on your device.