Enter any text to convert it to Base64 format
What is Base64 Encoding?
Base64 is a binary-to-text encoding scheme that represents binary data in an ASCII string format. It's commonly used to encode data that needs to be stored or transferred over media designed to handle text. Our free Base64 encoder and decoder tool allows developers, data analysts, and IT professionals to quickly convert text to Base64 or decode Base64 strings back to readable text. Perfect for API development, data transmission, email attachments, embedding images in HTML/CSS, and handling binary data in JSON.
Secure Encoding
All processing happens in your browser - your data never leaves your computer
Instant Conversion
Encode or decode Base64 data in milliseconds with client-side processing
Easy to Use
Simple tabbed interface for encoding and decoding with one-click copy
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How to Use Base64 Encoder/Decoder
1 Encoding Text
- • Click the "Encode to Base64" tab
- • Paste or type your text in the input area
- • Click "Encode to Base64" button
- • Copy the Base64 encoded result
2 Decoding Base64
- • Click the "Decode from Base64" tab
- • Paste your Base64 string in the input area
- • Click "Decode from Base64" button
- • Copy the decoded plain text result
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Common Base64 Use Cases
API Authentication
Encode credentials for Basic Authentication in HTTP headers and API requests.
Data URIs
Embed images, fonts, and files directly in HTML, CSS, or JSON using Base64 data URIs.
Email Attachments
Encode binary attachments in MIME email messages for safe transmission.
Data Storage
Store binary data in text-based formats like JSON, XML, or databases.
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Base64 Encoder & Decoder
Encode and decode Base64 data instantly
Base64 is a binary-to-text encoding scheme that converts binary data into ASCII text format. Our free Base64 Encoder & Decoder helps developers, system administrators, and IT professionals encode text to Base64 or decode Base64 back to readable text instantly. Perfect for API authentication, data URIs, email attachments, and secure data transmission. All processing happens in your browser for complete privacy.
🔄 How Base64 Works
📤 Encoding
Converts binary data to ASCII text using 64 characters
A-Z, a-z, 0-9, +, / (and = for padding)
📥 Decoding
Converts Base64 text back to original binary data
Reverses the encoding process perfectly
✅ Common Use Cases
API Authentication
Encode credentials for Basic Auth in HTTP headers
Data URIs
Embed images and files directly in HTML/CSS
Email Attachments
Encode binary files for email transmission
URL Parameters
Safely pass binary data in URLs
Data Storage
Store binary data in text-only databases
Web Development
Encode JSON, XML, and configuration files
💡 Base64 Best Practices
- ✅ Base64 increases data size by approximately 33%
- ✅ Not suitable for encryption - use proper encryption algorithms
- ✅ Perfect for encoding binary data in text-only systems
- ✅ Always validate decoded data before using it
- ✅ Use URL-safe Base64 for URLs (replaces +/= with -_)
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is Base64 encoding secure?
No! Base64 is NOT encryption - it's simply encoding. Anyone can decode Base64 data instantly. Never use Base64 alone for security. For encryption, use proper cryptographic algorithms like AES, RSA, or TLS/SSL.
Why does Base64 increase file size?
Base64 encoding increases data size by approximately 33% because it represents 3 bytes of binary data using 4 ASCII characters. This overhead is the trade-off for making binary data safe for text-only systems.
What is Base64 used for?
Base64 is used for encoding binary data (images, files, credentials) into ASCII text for transmission over text-only systems like email, URLs, JSON, XML, and HTTP headers. It's essential for API authentication, data URIs, and email attachments.
Is my data sent to a server?
No! All Base64 encoding and decoding happens entirely in your browser using JavaScript. Your data never leaves your device and is not stored, transmitted, or logged anywhere. Your privacy is completely protected.
Can I encode images to Base64?
Yes! While our tool encodes text, you can encode images using specialized tools. Base64-encoded images can be embedded directly in HTML/CSS using data URIs (data:image/png;base64,...). This is useful for small images but increases page size.