Base64 Encoder/Decoder

Output

SGVsbG8sIFdvcmxkIQ==
Advertisement

Online Base64 Encoder/Decoder - Encode & Decode Base64 Instantly

Our online Base64 encoder and decoder provides a fast and user-friendly way to encode text to Base64 or decode Base64 to text directly in your browser. Whether you're a developer handling data encoding or securing information, our tool ensures accurate and instant results.

Why Use Our Base64 Encoder/Decoder?

  • No installation needed - Encode or decode Base64 directly in your browser
  • Real-time processing - Instantly convert text or Base64
  • Dual functionality - Supports both encoding and decoding
  • User-friendly interface - Intuitive design with syntax highlighting
  • Free to use - No registration or subscription required
  • Mobile-friendly - Use on any device
  • Shareable output - Easily copy and share results
Advertisement

Getting Started with Base64

Base64 is an encoding method for converting binary data into an ASCII string format. It's widely used for embedding images in HTML, encoding attachments in emails, or storing data in JSON.

Basic Base64 Example

Text: Hello, World!
Base64: SGVsbG8sIFdvcmxkIQ==

Key features of Base64:

  • Alphabet: Uses 64 characters (A-Z, a-z, 0-9, +, /)
  • Padding: Uses = for alignment
  • Binary-safe: Handles any binary data
  • Reversible: Decodes back to original data

Note: Base64 increases data size by ~33%. It's not encryption, just encoding, so don't use it for sensitive data without additional security.

Base64 Encoding Basics

Encoding converts text or binary data to a Base64 string. For example:

Input Text

Hello, World!

Base64 Output

SGVsbG8sIFdvcmxkIQ==

Base64 Decoding Basics

Decoding converts a Base64 string back to its original form. For example:

Base64 Input

SGVsbG8sIFdvcmxkIQ==

Text Output

Hello, World!

Common Base64 Operations

  • Encoding: Convert text or binary to Base64
  • Decoding: Convert Base64 back to text or binary
  • Validation: Check if a string is valid Base64
  • Data embedding: Use in data URIs for images or files

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Base64 used for?

Base64 is used for encoding binary data into text for embedding in HTML, JSON, or emails, and for transmitting data over text-based protocols.

Is Base64 secure?

No, Base64 is not encryption, only encoding. It obscures data but is easily reversible. Use encryption for sensitive data.

How do I validate Base64?

Paste your Base64 string into our decoder and click "Process." Invalid Base64 will trigger an error in the output.

Can Base64 encode images?

Yes, images can be encoded to Base64 for use in data URIs, like <img src="data:image/png;base64,...">.

Why does Base64 use padding?

Padding with = ensures the encoded string length is a multiple of 4, aligning with the 6-bit groups used in Base64 encoding.

Tip: Always validate Base64 strings before decoding to avoid errors in your applications.

Advanced Base64 Usage

Explore these advanced Base64 concepts:

  • Data URIs: Embed images or files in HTML/CSS
  • data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAUA...
  • URL-safe Base64: Replace + and / with - and _ for URLs
  • Base64 in APIs: Encode payloads in JSON or headers
  • Streaming Base64: Process large files incrementally
Advertisement

Common Base64 Mistakes

  • Using invalid characters in Base64 strings
  • Missing or incorrect padding (=)
  • Confusing Base64 with encryption
  • Not handling large Base64 strings efficiently
  • Ignoring character encoding (e.g., UTF-8) during conversion

Learning Resources

Enhance your Base64 skills with these resources:

  • RFC 4648: Official Base64 specification
  • MDN Web Docs: Base64 in JavaScript (btoa/atob)
  • Tutorials: W3Schools, freeCodeCamp
  • Practice: Encode/decode data in API projects

Use our Base64 encoder/decoder to practice and validate your data as you learn!