Base64 Encoder / Decoder
Encode plain text to Base64 format or decode Base64 back to readable text.
Decoding Failed
What is Base64 Encoding and Decoding?
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 binary data (such as files, images, or special characters) needs to be stored or transferred over media that are designed to handle only text, such as XML, HTML, or email protocols.
How it Works
The encoder takes input text and groups it into 24-bit buffers (three 8-bit bytes), which are then split into four 6-bit chunks. Each 6-bit value is mapped to a specific ASCII character in the Base64 alphabet (A-Z, a-z, 0-9, +, /). If the input data length is not a multiple of three, padding characters (=) are appended to complete the grouping. The decoder reverses this process. Our tool also supports URL-safe Base64 encoding, which replaces standard characters + and / with - and _ respectively, and strips any trailing padding to make the string safe to pass in URL parameters without encoding issues.
Encoding vs Encryption
It is important to remember that Base64 encoding is NOT encryption. It is a simple data representation format and offers no security or secrecy. Anyone can decode a Base64 string back to its original form. Do not rely on Base64 to secure sensitive data unless it has been encrypted first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Base64 encoding is used to represent binary data in a plain-text format (specifically ASCII characters). It is commonly used for transmitting files in email attachments, embedding small images directly inside HTML or CSS, or passing parameters in URLs.
Yes. By enabling the "URL Safe" option, the encoder replaces standard characters "+" and "/" with "-" and "_" respectively, and strips any trailing padding characters (=). This prevents standard URL encoders from corrupting the string.
Our decoder supports full UTF-8 characters (including emojis and multilingual text). If the input string is corrupted or is not a valid Base64 string, the decoder will display a decoding error message.
No. Base64 is merely an encoding scheme for representing data. It offers no security or encryption. Anyone who intercepts a Base64 string can decode it instantly. Do not use it for sensitive data without proper encryption.
No. Just like our other tools, the Base64 encoder and decoder run entirely client-side in your web browser, ensuring complete privacy.