Base64 Encoder/Decoder

Tool for encoding and decoding text using Base64 format

This online Base64 encoder and decoder allows you to convert text to Base64 and decode Base64 back to readable text.

Quickly encode text to Base64 or decode Base64 to text in your browser with no server upload.

Input Base64

Decoded Text

About Base64 Encoding

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 to encode binary data for transmission over media that is designed to deal with textual data.

When to use Base64 encoding: Base64 is commonly used when transferring binary data in environments that only support text, such as sending email attachments, storing complex data in JSON, or including binary data in XML files.

Common Base64 applications:

  • Data URLs: Embedding images and files directly in HTML, CSS, and web applications
  • Email attachments: MIME encoding for sending binary files via email protocols
  • API responses: Encoding binary data in JSON responses and REST APIs
  • Database storage: Storing binary content in text-based database fields
  • Authentication: Encoding credentials and tokens for HTTP Basic Authentication

Learn more about Base64 encoding at RFC 4648 and data URLs at MDN Data URLs.

All encoding and decoding is performed locally in your browser - your data never leaves your device.

Web Development & Data Transmission Applications

Frontend Development & Assets

Essential for web developers working with embedded resources, data URIs, and client-side applications that need to handle binary data without external file dependencies.

Frontend Applications:
  • Embed images directly in CSS and HTML
  • Create offline-capable web applications
  • Store files in localStorage and sessionStorage
  • Generate downloadable files dynamically
API Development & Integration

Critical for backend developers and API designers who need to transmit binary data through JSON-based APIs and handle file uploads in web services.

API Use Cases:
  • File upload processing in REST APIs
  • Image and document transmission
  • Binary data in JSON responses
  • Webhook payload encoding
Email & Communication Protocols

This Base64 encoder/decoder is vital for email systems, messaging protocols, and any communication system that requires safe transmission of binary data over text-based channels.

Communication Scenarios:
MIME email encodingAttachment processingHTTP Basic AuthXML data encodingToken generationURL safe encoding

Technical Standards & Implementation Details

Base64 Variants & Standards

Multiple Base64 variants exist for different use cases, each following specific standards and character sets for optimal compatibility with various systems.

Standard Variants:
  • RFC 4648 - Standard Base64 alphabet
  • URL-safe Base64 - Filesystem and URL friendly
  • MIME Base64 - Email attachment encoding
  • Modified Base64 - IMAP folder names
Programming Language Support

Base64 encoding is universally supported across programming languages and platforms with native libraries and built-in functions for efficient conversion.

Language Examples:
  • JavaScript: btoa(), atob(), Buffer.from()
  • Python: base64.b64encode(), base64.b64decode()
  • Java: Base64.getEncoder(), Base64.getDecoder()
  • PHP: base64_encode(), base64_decode()
Performance & Security Considerations

Understanding Base64 characteristics is crucial for making informed decisions about data encoding, transmission efficiency, and security implications in web applications.

Important Considerations:
33% size increaseSafe for text channelsNo encryptionPadding charactersLine length limitsCharacter set safety

Note: Base64 is encoding, not encryption. It provides no security benefits and should not be used to hide sensitive data from unauthorized access.

For comprehensive Base64 documentation, visit Wikipedia Base64 and for implementation guidelines, refer to RFC 4648 Specification.