Base64 Encoder & Decoder
Encode and decode Base64 strings online. Convert text, images, and files to Base64 format or decode Base64 data back to original content
Examples
Base64 Encoder FAQ and Usage Guide
What is Base64?
Base64 is a method for encoding binary data as text. It uses only 64 ASCII characters (A-Z, a-z, 0-9, +, /) to represent any data.
When should I use Base64?
Use Base64 when:
- Attaching images or files to emails
- Including binary data in JSON or XML
- Embedding images in HTML/CSS using Data URLs
- HTTP Basic Authentication headers
Is Base64 encryption?
No! Base64 is encoding, not encryption. Anyone can easily decode it, so never use it to protect sensitive information.
How much does Base64 increase data size?
Base64 encoding increases data size by approximately 33%. For example, 100 bytes of data becomes about 133 bytes.
Can I encode non-ASCII characters?
Yes! This tool uses UTF-8 encoding to accurately encode/decode all Unicode characters including Korean, emojis, and special characters.
What are the = symbols at the end?
The = symbols are padding. Base64 processes data in 3-byte units, so when data length isn't a multiple of 3, = is added to align the length. You may see = or == at the end.
Is my data secure?
Yes! All encoding/decoding happens only in your browser. Your data is never sent to our servers.
Can I encode images to Base64 with this tool?
This tool is optimized for text-based Base64 encoding and decoding. For image encoding, you'll need a tool with file upload capabilities. Many online Base64 image encoders support drag-and-drop file uploads specifically for images and other binary files.
Is Base64 encoding encryption?
No! Base64 is an encoding format, not encryption. Anyone can easily decode Base64, so never use it to hide passwords or sensitive data. Base64 is designed for data transmission and format conversion, not security.