Base64 Encoder/Decoder

This online Base64 encoder and decoder allows you to easily convert text to and from Base64 format. It’s fast, free, and runs entirely in your browser.

What is Base64?

Base64 is a binary-to-text encoding format that converts binary data into a readable ASCII string. It is commonly used to safely transmit data over text-based systems such as HTTP, JSON, XML, or email.

It’s important to note that Base64 is not encryption. It does not secure or hide data — it simply transforms it into a format that can be easily transported and reconstructed.

Why is Base64 used?

Base64 encoding is widely used in software development because many systems are designed to handle text only. Encoding binary data as Base64 prevents corruption during transmission.

Common use cases include:

• Sending binary data in JSON or XML payloads
• Encoding images for embedding in HTML or CSS
• HTTP Basic Authentication headers
• Transferring data via email (MIME)
• Storing binary content in text-based formats

How does Base64 encoding work?

Base64 works by converting binary data into groups of 6 bits, then mapping those values to a predefined set of 64 characters (A–Z, a–z, 0–9, +, /).

If the original data length is not divisible by 3 bytes, padding characters (=) are added to ensure proper decoding.

Is Base64 secure?

No. Base64 is not a security mechanism.

Anyone can decode Base64-encoded data easily. If you need to protect sensitive information, use proper encryption algorithms such as AES or RSA in combination with HTTPS.

Does Base64 increase data size?

Yes. Base64 encoding increases the size of the original data by approximately 33%. This is a trade-off for compatibility and safe transmission over text-only channels.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is Base64 encryption?

No. Base64 is an encoding format, not encryption. It does not provide any security. For protecting sensitive information, use well-established cryptographic algorithms such as AES (for symmetric encryption), RSA (for asymmetric encryption), or secure hashing algorithms like SHA-256 when data must not be reversible, such as password storage.

Can Base64 be decoded?

Yes. Base64 is fully reversible. Any encoded string can be decoded back to its original form.

When should I use Base64 encoding?

Use Base64 when you need to transmit binary data through systems that only support text, such as APIs, JSON payloads, or HTML documents.

Is Base64 safe for passwords?

No. Encoding passwords with Base64 is insecure. Always use proper hashing and encryption techniques for sensitive data.

Does this tool run on the server?

No. This Base64 encoder and decoder runs entirely in your browser. Your data is never sent to a server.