Base64 Encoder/Decoder
Encode and decode Base64 strings with UTF-8 support
Base64 Encoder/Decoder
Enter text or upload a file to convert to Base64. For example, paste a JSON snippet to send safely over a form.
Content to Encode
Encoded Base64
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Try Now JWT CreatorWhat is Base64 Encoder/Decoder?
Base64 encoding is a fundamental technique used in web development and data transmission to convert binary data into a text-safe ASCII format. Our Base64 Encoder/Decoder provides a simple, secure way to encode text, files, and binary data into Base64 format and decode Base64 strings back to their original form. This encoding scheme uses 64 printable ASCII characters to represent binary data, making it safe for transmission over text-based protocols like email, HTTP headers, and JSON. The tool supports both standard Base64 and URL-safe Base64 variants, handles UTF-8 text encoding properly, and can process both small text snippets and large files efficiently. Whether you're embedding images in CSS, preparing data for API transmission, or working with authentication tokens, this encoder provides reliable, client-side processing with complete privacy protection.
When to Use Base64 Encoder/Decoder
Use our Base64 Encoder whenever you need to convert binary data for text-based transmission or storage. This tool is essential when embedding images directly in HTML or CSS using data URLs, preparing binary data for JSON APIs, or encoding files for email attachments. Developers commonly use it when working with authentication systems that require Base64-encoded credentials, creating data URLs for small images to reduce HTTP requests, or preparing binary data for storage in text-based databases. It's also valuable when working with legacy systems that only accept text data, debugging encoded data in HTTP headers or cookies, or when you need to safely transmit binary files through text-only channels. The decoder is equally useful for extracting and viewing the contents of Base64-encoded data you encounter in web development, API responses, or configuration files.
How to Use Base64 Encoder/Decoder
7 stepsChoose whether you want to encode (binary to Base64) or decode (Base64 to binary)
For encoding: paste text or upload a file using the file selector
For decoding: paste the Base64 string into the input area
Select the appropriate Base64 variant (standard or URL-safe) if needed
Click encode or decode to process your data instantly
Copy the result to your clipboard or download as a file
Use the result in your web pages, APIs, or applications as needed
Privacy & Security
100% SecureAll Base64 encoding and decoding occurs entirely within your web browser using client-side JavaScript. Your files and data are never uploaded to our servers or transmitted anywhere outside your device. This ensures complete privacy and security for sensitive documents, images, or any data you need to encode. The tool works offline once loaded, providing maximum security for confidential data processing.
Pro Tips
7 tipsUse data URLs with Base64-encoded images for small icons to reduce HTTP requests
Remember that Base64 encoding increases file size by about 33%, so use it judiciously
Always validate decoded data, especially when working with user-provided Base64 strings
For large files, consider using direct file uploads instead of Base64 encoding when possible
Use URL-safe Base64 when the encoded data will be used in URLs or file names
Be aware that Base64 is encoding, not encryption - never use it alone for security
When debugging, use the decoder to inspect Base64 data in HTTP headers or API responses
Frequently Asked Questions
5 Q&AQ1:What is Base64 encoding and when should I use it?
Base64 is a binary-to-text encoding scheme that represents binary data in an ASCII string format. Use it when you need to transmit binary data over text-based protocols like email, HTTP, or JSON, or when storing binary data in text-based formats.
Q2:Is Base64 encoding secure for sensitive data?
No, Base64 is encoding, not encryption. It's easily reversible and provides no security. Never use Base64 alone for sensitive data - it's meant for data transport, not security. Use proper encryption for sensitive information.
Q3:Can I encode files with this tool?
Yes, our Base64 encoder supports both text input and file uploads. You can encode images, documents, or any binary file into Base64 format for embedding in web pages or transmitting over text protocols.
Q4:Why does Base64 encoding increase the data size?
Base64 encoding increases data size by approximately 33% because it uses 4 ASCII characters to represent every 3 bytes of binary data. This overhead is the trade-off for making binary data text-safe.
Q5:What's the difference between Base64 and URL-safe Base64?
Standard Base64 uses +, /, and = characters which have special meanings in URLs. URL-safe Base64 replaces + with -, / with _, and often omits padding (=) to make the encoded string URL-friendly.
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