Base64 Encoder & Decoder
Base64 is a binary-to-text encoding scheme that represents binary data in an ASCII string format by translating it into a radix-64 representation. It is commonly used when there is a need to encode binary data that needs to be stored and transferred over media that are designed to deal with textual data. This ensures that the data remains intact without modification during transport. Base64 is widely used in email (MIME), embedding images in HTML, and storing complex data in XML or JSON.
Input
Encoded Output
Base64 Encode/Decode Encode
Base64 encode/decode for data transmission
Who Uses This Tool
- • Web Developers embedding small images directly into CSS/HTML
- • Backend Engineers sending binary data via JSON APIs
- • Email System Administrators debugging MIME attachments
- • Security Professionals decoding obfuscated malware payloads
- • Students learning about data serialization formats
Key Features
- ✓ Bidirectional (Encode to Base64 / Decode from Base64)
- ✓ Supports UTF-8 characters (emojis, international text)
- ✓ Instant client-side processing (no server upload)
- ✓ Safe URL-friendly formatting options
- ✓ Live preview of result
- ✓ Handles multi-line input
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Base64 end with '='?
The '=' characters are padding. Base64 encodes data in 24-bit blocks (3 bytes). If the data doesn't divide evenly by 3, padding characters are added to the end so the output length is a multiple of 4.
Does Base64 encrypt my data?
No. Base64 is encoding, NOT encryption. It acts like a translation of language, not a lock. Anyone can decode Base64 back to the original format instantly. Never use it to hide sensitive data like passwords.
Does Base64 increase file size?
Yes. Base64 encoding increases the data size by approximately 33%. This is why it's generally only used for small assets (like icons) or when necessary for text-only transport protocols.
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