Base64 Encoder & Decoder

Encode text to Base64 or decode Base64 strings instantly. Supports images, files, and UTF-8 encoding.

✓ Encode & Decode✓ Image Support✓ UTF-8 Compatible✓ 100% Secure

Text Input

Base64 Output

Encoded output will appear here

Why Use Our Base64 Tool?

Bidirectional Conversion

Seamlessly encode text to Base64 or decode Base64 strings. Switch modes instantly with one click.

Client-Side Processing

All encoding and decoding happens in your browser. Your data never leaves your device.

UTF-8 Support

Full Unicode support for international characters, emojis, and special symbols.

Complete Guide to Base64 Encoding & Decoding

Base64 encoding is a fundamental technique in web development and data transmission that converts binary data into ASCII text format. This encoding scheme uses 64 different characters (A-Z, a-z, 0-9, +, /) to represent data in a text-safe manner.

What is Base64 Encoding?

Base64 is a binary-to-text encoding scheme that represents binary data in an ASCII string format. It works by dividing input data into groups of 3 bytes (24 bits) and representing them as 4 Base64 characters (6 bits each). This ensures that binary data can be transmitted over text-based protocols without corruption.

Common Use Cases

  • Data URLs: Embed images directly in HTML/CSS using Base64
  • Email Attachments: MIME encoding for email attachments
  • API Authentication: Basic HTTP authentication headers
  • JSON/XML Data: Store binary data in text-based formats
  • Web Storage: Save binary data in localStorage or cookies
  • Certificates: PEM format for SSL/TLS certificates
  • QR Codes: Encode binary data in QR codes
  • Data Transfer: Send binary data over text-only channels

Key Features

  • Bidirectional Conversion: Encode and decode with ease
  • UTF-8 Support: Handle international characters and emojis
  • File Upload: Process text files directly
  • Image Encoding: Convert images to Base64 data URLs
  • Copy & Download: Export results easily
  • Mode Switching: Use output as input for reverse conversion
  • Sample Data: Test with pre-loaded examples
  • Error Handling: Clear error messages for invalid input

How to Use Base64 Encoder

To Encode:

  1. Select "Encode" mode
  2. Enter or paste your text
  3. Click "Encode" button
  4. Copy or download Base64 output

To Decode:

  1. Select "Decode" mode
  2. Paste Base64 string
  3. Click "Decode" button
  4. View decoded text output

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)
  • + and /: Special characters (2 characters)
  • =: Padding character (used at the end)

Embedding Images with Base64

You can embed images in HTML using Base64 data URLs:

<img src="data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUg..." 
     alt="Embedded Image" />

Base64 vs Other Encodings

EncodingPurposeSize Increase
Base64Binary-to-text~33%
HexBinary representation100%
URL EncodingURL-safe stringsVariable

Important Notes

  • Not Encryption: Base64 is encoding, not encryption. Don't use it for security.
  • Size Overhead: Base64 increases data size by ~33%
  • Performance: Encoding/decoding has computational cost
  • Browser Limits: Very large Base64 strings may cause browser issues

Best Practices

  • Use Base64 for small to medium-sized binary data
  • Avoid Base64 for large files (use direct file serving instead)
  • Always validate Base64 strings before decoding
  • Use proper encryption (AES, RSA) for sensitive data
  • Consider compression before Base64 encoding large data
  • Cache Base64-encoded resources when possible
What is Base64 encoding?+
Why do I need Base64 encoding?+
Is Base64 encryption or encoding?+
Can I encode images to Base64?+
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