🔐 Base64 Encoder/Decoder

What is Base64 Encoding?

Base64 is a binary-to-text encoding scheme that represents binary data in an ASCII string format by converting it into a radix-64 representation. This encoding method is commonly used when there is a need to transmit or store binary data in environments that only support text content, such as email attachments, data URLs in web pages, or storing complex data in JSON or XML formats. Base64 encoding is reversible, meaning you can easily decode Base64 text back to its original form without any data loss.

The Base64 encoding scheme uses 64 different ASCII characters to represent data: uppercase letters A-Z, lowercase letters a-z, digits 0-9, and two additional characters (typically + and /). Every three bytes (24 bits) of binary data are encoded as four Base64 characters. If the input data length is not a multiple of three bytes, padding characters (=) are added at the end to make the encoded output length a multiple of four. This makes Base64 particularly useful for encoding binary files, images, or any data that needs to be safely transmitted through text-based protocols.

Common Use Cases for Base64

• Email Attachments: MIME email encoding uses Base64 to send binary files like images, PDFs, and documents through email systems that were originally designed for text-only content
• Data URLs: Embedding small images, fonts, or other assets directly into HTML or CSS using data URLs with Base64 encoding to reduce HTTP requests
• API Authentication: Many APIs use Base64 encoding for basic authentication headers, encoding username and password credentials
• Storing Binary Data: Saving binary data in text-based formats like JSON or XML where binary data is not directly supported
• URL Parameters: Encoding binary data or special characters to safely pass them through URL query parameters
• Cryptography: Representing encrypted data or cryptographic keys in a text format for easier transmission and storage

How to Use This Tool

Encoding: Type or paste your plain text into the left text box, then click the "Encode to Base64" button. The Base64-encoded version will instantly appear in the right text box. You can then copy the encoded text using the "Copy" button below the Base64 output.

Decoding: Paste your Base64-encoded text into the right text box, then click the "Decode from Base64" button. The original plain text will appear in the left text box. If the Base64 data is invalid or corrupted, you'll receive an error notification explaining the issue.

Quick Actions: Use the "Swap Values" button to quickly exchange the content between the plain text and Base64 fields. The "Clear" buttons below each text box let you instantly clear that field's content. The "Copy" buttons provide one-click copying to your clipboard for easy pasting into other applications.

Important Notes

Base64 is an encoding method, not an encryption method. It does not provide any security or privacy protection for your data. Anyone can easily decode Base64 text back to its original form. If you need to protect sensitive information, you should use proper encryption methods before encoding. Base64 encoding also increases the data size by approximately 33% due to the encoding overhead, so it's best suited for relatively small amounts of data rather than large files.

Key Features