🔐 Base64 Encoder & Decoder
Encode text to Base64 or decode Base64 back to plain text. Supports full UTF-8 including emojis and special characters.
📖 What is Base64?
Base64 is a binary-to-text encoding scheme that represents binary data in an ASCII string format. It's commonly used to encode data that needs to be transmitted over media that only supports text, such as email (MIME), embedding images in HTML/CSS (data URIs), and storing complex data in URLs or JSON.
Base64 encoding converts every 3 bytes of data into 4 ASCII characters, using the characters A-Z, a-z, 0-9, +, and /. This means Base64-encoded data is approximately 33% larger than the original.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
No. Base64 is an encoding scheme, not encryption. It does not provide any security. Anyone can decode Base64 data. For security, use proper encryption like AES or RSA.
Base64 is used when binary data needs to be transmitted through text-only channels. Common uses include embedding images in HTML/CSS, encoding email attachments (MIME), storing binary data in JSON or XML, and encoding authentication credentials in HTTP headers.
Yes. Base64 encoding increases data size by approximately 33%. This is because every 3 bytes of binary data become 4 Base64 characters. This tradeoff is acceptable for small data but not recommended for large files.