What Is Base64 Encoding?
Base64 is a binary-to-text encoding scheme that represents binary data using 64 printable ASCII characters (A–Z, a–z, 0–9, +, and /). It is widely used to embed binary data — such as images, files, or credentials — inside text-based formats like JSON, XML, email (MIME), and URLs.
For example, the text Hello World encodes to SGVsbG8gV29ybGQ=. The trailing = characters are padding used when the input length is not a multiple of three bytes.
How to Use This Tool
- To encode: Paste plain text into the input area and click "Encode to Base64".
- To decode: Paste a Base64 string and click "Decode from Base64".
- Copy the result using the Copy button for use in your project or API.
This tool supports UTF-8 characters including accented letters, emoji, and non-Latin scripts.
Common Use Cases
API development: Many REST APIs expect Base64-encoded payloads for file uploads or authentication tokens embedded in JSON bodies.
Data URLs: Inline images in HTML/CSS use the format data:image/png;base64,.... Base64 encoding is the first step in creating these.
Debugging: When inspecting network requests or log files, Base64-encoded values often need decoding to reveal the original content.
Email and MIME: Email attachments are traditionally encoded in Base64 to survive transport through text-only mail systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Base64 encryption?
No. Base64 is encoding, not encryption. Anyone can decode a Base64 string instantly. Never use Base64 alone to protect sensitive data.
Is my data sent to a server?
No. Encoding and decoding happen entirely in your browser using JavaScript.
Why does my encoded string end with =?
Padding characters (=) are added when the input byte length is not divisible by 3. They are a normal part of Base64 and do not affect decoding.
Can I encode binary files?
This tool works with text input. For binary files, you would typically use a file upload tool. Paste the text representation or use command-line tools like base64 for files.