Base64 Encoder/Decoder
Free Base64 encoder and decoder. Convert text to Base64 encoding and decode Base64 strings back to plain text. Supports UTF-8 characters and special symbols.
What Is Base64 Encoding?
Base64 is an encoding scheme that converts binary data into ASCII text using 64 characters (A-Z, a-z, 0-9, + and /). It is widely used to transmit data through text-only channels such as emails, URLs, and JSON payloads.
How Does Base64 Encoding Work?
The process takes groups of 3 bytes (24 bits) and splits them into 4 groups of 6 bits. Each 6-bit group maps to a character in the Base64 alphabet. If the data length is not a multiple of 3 bytes, padding characters ("=") are appended.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Base64 encryption?
No. Base64 is an encoding, not encryption. Anyone can decode a Base64 string without a key. It should never be used to protect sensitive information.
What are common uses for Base64?
Base64 is used to embed images in HTML/CSS (data URIs), send email attachments (MIME), transmit binary data in REST APIs (JSON), and store data in cookies or JWT tokens.