Base64 Encode & Decode Online

Convert text to Base64 and decode Base64 strings instantly. Essential tool for developers working with APIs, data encoding, and web development.

What is Base64 Encoding?

Base64 is a binary-to-text encoding scheme that represents binary data in an ASCII string format. It's designed to carry data stored in binary formats across channels that only reliably support text content.

Why Use Base64 Encoding?

  • Data Transmission: Safely transmit binary data through text-based protocols like email or JSON.
  • URL Safety: Encode data for use in URLs where certain characters might cause issues.
  • Embedded Images: Include images directly in HTML or CSS using data URIs.
  • API Integration: Many APIs require Base64 encoding for authentication tokens or file uploads.
  • Cross-Platform Compatibility: Ensure data integrity across different systems and platforms.

Common Use Cases

  • JWT Tokens: JSON Web Tokens use Base64 encoding for their payload and signature.
  • Basic Authentication: HTTP Basic Auth credentials are Base64 encoded.
  • Email Attachments: MIME protocol uses Base64 for encoding email attachments.
  • Data URIs: Embed small files directly in HTML/CSS as Base64 strings.
  • Configuration Files: Store binary data in text-based config files.

How Base64 Works

  1. Takes binary data and divides it into 6-bit chunks
  2. Maps each 6-bit value to a character from the Base64 alphabet (A-Z, a-z, 0-9, +, /)
  3. Adds padding (=) if necessary to make the output length a multiple of 4
  4. Results in approximately 33% larger output than the original binary data

Features of Our Base64 Tool

  • Instant Conversion: Encode and decode Base64 strings in real-time.
  • Unicode Support: Handles UTF-8 text and special characters correctly.
  • Error Handling: Detects and reports invalid Base64 strings.
  • Large Text Support: Process large amounts of text efficiently.
  • Copy to Clipboard: One-click copying of encoded/decoded results.

SEO Benefits for Developers

  • Inline Resources: Reduce HTTP requests by embedding small images as Base64 in CSS.
  • Faster Page Loads: Eliminate network latency for small, critical resources.
  • Schema Markup: Encode structured data for safer inclusion in HTML.
  • AMP Compatibility: Use Base64 for inline styles and small images in AMP pages.

Security Considerations

  • Not Encryption: Base64 is encoding, not encryption - it provides no security.
  • Easily Reversible: Anyone can decode Base64 strings without a key.
  • Use HTTPS: Always transmit sensitive Base64 data over secure connections.
  • Validate Input: Always validate and sanitize Base64 decoded data.

Start Encoding and Decoding Now!

Whether you're working with APIs, embedding resources, or handling data transmission, our Base64 tool makes encoding and decoding quick and effortless. Perfect for developers, system administrators, and anyone working with web technologies.