BASE64 CONVERTER
Encode & Decode | Online Tool
URL Safe Encoding
Note: Default encoding is UTF-8. If the decode result is binary or non-printable (e.g., images, PDFs, ZIP files), it will be automatically downloaded. Please ensure you save the file with the appropriate extension when downloading.
Understanding Base64 Encoding and Decoding
Base64 is a binary-to-text encoding scheme that converts binary data into a string format using 64 printable characters. It is commonly used for transferring data over text-based protocols like HTTP, MIME, and XML, where binary data could cause issues.
Why Base64? Encoding ensures that any data, including images or files, can be safely transferred over channels that support only text. It represents binary data in an ASCII string format using characters A-Z, a-z, 0-9, +, and /.
How It Works
- Input data is divided into 3-byte chunks (24 bits).
- Each chunk is split into four 6-bit segments.
- Each 6-bit segment is mapped to one of the 64 characters.
- Padding (`=`) is added to make the output length a multiple of 4.
Decoding reverses this process, converting Base64 strings back into their original binary form.
Note: While Base64 is versatile, it is not a form of encryption. Data encoded in Base64 can be easily decoded by anyone.
Applications of Base64
Base64 is widely used in:
- Embedding images in HTML or CSS.
- Encoding data in JSON or XML.
- Storing complex data in databases.
- Ensuring safe transmission of credentials in HTTP headers.
Try It Yourself!
Use the editors above to test Base64 encoding and decoding. Enter text or upload a file to see how the process works. You can also experiment with options like line separators and URL-safe encoding.
