Encode and decode Base64 strings instantly
Base64 is a binary-to-text encoding scheme that converts binary data into an ASCII string format. It's primarily used when you need to transmit or store binary data in environments that only support text data. For example, when you want to embed images directly in HTML or CSS files using data URLs, or when sending binary data through JSON or XML formats which are text-based. It ensures that data remains intact without modification during transport.
Base64 encoding is particularly useful in several web development scenarios: embedding small images directly in HTML/CSS to reduce HTTP requests, storing binary data in databases that only accept text, including file attachments in JSON APIs, and encoding credentials for HTTP Basic Authentication. However, it's important to note that Base64 increases data size by about 33%, so it's not recommended for large files or high-performance applications where bandwidth is a concern.
No, Base64 is NOT encryption and provides zero security for sensitive information. It's simply an encoding scheme that's easily reversible. Anyone can decode Base64 data without any cryptographic key. If you need to protect passwords, personal information, or confidential data, you should use proper encryption algorithms like AES or hashing functions like bcrypt. Base64 is for data representation, not for data protection.
Standard Base64 uses 64 characters: uppercase A-Z (26), lowercase a-z (26), digits 0-9 (10), plus sign (+), and forward slash (/). The equals sign (=) is used for padding at the end of the encoded string when the input data isn't divisible by 3. This padding ensures that the encoded output has the correct length. There's also a URL-safe variant that uses hyphen (-) and underscore (_) instead of + and / to avoid conflicts with URL encoding.
Base64 encoding increases data size by approximately 33%. This happens because every 3 bytes (24 bits) of binary data becomes 4 ASCII characters. Each ASCII character in Base64 represents 6 bits (4 × 6 = 24 bits), so there's always this fixed ratio. For example, a 1MB file becomes about 1.33MB when Base64 encoded. This size overhead is consistent regardless of the content being encoded.
Yes, our tool properly handles all Unicode characters including emojis, special symbols, and international text. The encoding process correctly converts UTF-8 text to Base64, and decoding accurately converts back to the original text with all characters preserved. This is achieved through proper UTF-8 encoding/decoding methods that ensure compatibility across different languages and character sets.
All processing happens entirely in your browser using JavaScript. Your data never leaves your device - we don't send it to any servers, don't store it in databases, and don't share it with third parties. When you close the browser tab or refresh the page, all your input and output data is automatically cleared. This ensures complete privacy and security for your information.
Our tool is designed for most common use cases with the following considerations: Very large files (over 50MB) may cause browser performance issues, complex binary formats might need specific encoding parameters, and the tool works best with text and common file types. For extremely large encoding/decoding tasks, we recommend using desktop applications or server-side processing.
Yes, our Base64 tool is 100% free with no hidden costs, registration requirements, or usage limits. You can encode and decode as much data as you need, as often as you want. We believe in providing accessible tools for developers, students, and professionals without any barriers to entry. The tool is supported through our platform, not through user fees.
While command line tools and programming libraries offer more customization, our web tool provides immediate accessibility without installation. It's perfect for quick conversions, educational purposes, or when you don't have programming environment access. The interface is designed for simplicity and speed - just paste your text, click a button, and get results instantly without worrying about command syntax or library dependencies.