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Base64 Encoder / Decoder

Encode text to Base64 or decode Base64 to plain text instantly. Runs in your browser — nothing is uploaded.

Free No signup Client-side

What is Base64 Encoding?

Base64 is a binary-to-text encoding scheme that represents binary data using a set of 64 ASCII characters: A–Z, a–z, 0–9, +, and /. It is widely used across the internet to safely transmit data over text-based protocols.

When you encode text into Base64, each character is converted into a 6-bit index that maps to one of the 64 printable characters. The result is roughly 33% larger than the original data, but it guarantees that all characters are safe for transmission through systems that may not handle binary data correctly.

Common Use Cases

  • Embedding images directly in HTML or CSS using data: URIs
  • Encoding credentials in HTTP Basic Authentication headers
  • Transmitting binary data through JSON, XML, or email
  • Storing complex data in URL-safe formats
  • Encoding tokens and API keys for web applications

How This Tool Works

This Base64 encoder/decoder runs entirely in your browser using native JavaScript. No data is sent to any server — your text never leaves your device. It fully supports Unicode, meaning you can encode and decode text in any language, including emojis and special characters.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Base64 encoding?

Base64 is a binary-to-text encoding scheme that represents binary data using a set of 64 ASCII characters. It is commonly used to encode data that needs to be transferred over text-based protocols like email, JSON, and URLs.

Why use Base64 encoding?

Base64 encoding is used to safely transmit binary data over channels that only support plain text. It ensures that data remains intact during transfer by converting non-text characters into a safe ASCII representation.

Is Base64 encoding secure?

No, Base64 is not encryption. It is an encoding scheme that can be easily reversed. It should not be used to protect sensitive information. For security, use proper encryption methods like AES.

Does this tool support Unicode text?

Yes, this tool fully supports Unicode text. You can encode and decode text in any language including special characters, emojis, and non-Latin scripts.