Base64 Encode/Decode Tool
Quickly encode and decode Base64 strings with this free online tool. Perfect for developers working with data encoding, API testing, and web development.
About Base64 Encoding
Base64 is a binary-to-text encoding scheme that represents binary data in an ASCII string format. It's commonly used in web development, email systems, and data transmission.
Common Use Cases:
- Data URLs: Embedding images directly in HTML/CSS
- API Testing: Encoding authentication credentials
- Email Attachments: Encoding binary files for SMTP
- JWT Tokens: Encoding JSON payloads in tokens
- Configuration Files: Safely storing binary data in text files
How to Use This Base64 Tool:
- Encoding: Enter plain text and click "Encode to Base64"
- Decoding: Paste Base64 string and click "Decode from Base64"
- Copy Results: Use the copy button to copy the output
- Paste Input: Use the paste button for quick input
Example - Encoding:
Hello, World!Output:
SGVsbG8sIFdvcmxkIQ==
Example - Decoding:
SGVsbG8sIFdvcmxkIQ==Output:
Hello, World!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Is Base64 encoding secure?
No, Base64 is not encryption - it's just encoding. Anyone can decode Base64 strings. Use proper encryption for sensitive data.
Q: Why do Base64 strings end with '=' characters?
The '=' characters are padding to ensure the encoded string length is a multiple of 4. This is required by the Base64 specification.
Q: Can I encode binary files?
This tool is designed for text input. For binary files, you'll need to first convert them to a text representation or use a binary-compatible tool.
Q: What characters are used in Base64?
Base64 uses 64 characters: A-Z, a-z, 0-9, plus '+' and '/', with '=' for padding. URL-safe Base64 uses '-' and '_' instead of '+' and '/'.