🔐Base64 Converter
Convert text to Base64 or decode Base64 strings back to normal text. A fast and reliable tool for developers, students, and data enthusiasts.
📝Base64 Examples
🔒 Text to Base64:
Hello World!SGVsbG8gV29ybGQhBase64 is cool 😎QmFzZTY0IGlzIGNvb2wg8J+YjQ==🔓 Base64 to Text:
VGVzdGluZw==TestingQmFzZTY0IENvbnZlcnRlcg==Base64 Converter🔍What is Base64?
Base64 encoding converts binary data into a text string using 64 characters:
- • A-Z (26 characters)
- • a-z (26 characters)
- • 0-9 (10 characters)
- • + and / (2 characters)
It's commonly used for data transmission and storage.
🎯Common Use Cases
- •Email attachments (MIME)
- •Data URLs in web development
- •API authentication tokens
- •Storing binary data in JSON
- •Image embedding in CSS/HTML
Frequently Asked Questions
🤔 What is Base64 encoding?
Base64 encoding is a way of converting binary data into a text string using 64 characters (A–Z, a–z, 0–9, +, and /). It is commonly used for data transmission over text-based protocols.
🔒 How do I decode Base64 text?
Simply paste the Base64 string into this tool and click 'Decode from Base64'. It will convert it back to readable text instantly.
💡 Is this Base64 converter free?
Yes, this Base64 Converter is 100% free, fast, and works on any device without registration. All processing happens in your browser for maximum privacy.
🌍 Does it support Unicode characters?
Yes! Our converter supports UTF-8 encoding, so it can handle emojis, special characters, and text in any language including Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, etc.
Understanding Base64 Encoding
Base64 is a binary-to-text encoding scheme that represents binary data in an ASCII string format. It was designed to carry data stored in binary formats across channels that only reliably support text content. The name "Base64" comes from the fact that the encoding uses a set of exactly 64 characters to represent data, plus an optional padding character.
How Base64 Works
The encoding process takes every three bytes (24 bits) of input data and splits them into four groups of 6 bits each. Each 6-bit group is then mapped to one of 64 printable ASCII characters. Because 3 bytes become 4 characters, Base64-encoded data is always approximately 33% larger than the original. When the input length is not divisible by three, the output is padded with one or two = characters to maintain the 4-character boundary.
The Base64 Alphabet
The standard Base64 alphabet consists of 64 characters plus an optional padding character. The following table shows the complete mapping:
| Range | Characters | Values | Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uppercase Letters | A - Z | 0 - 25 | 26 |
| Lowercase Letters | a - z | 26 - 51 | 26 |
| Digits | 0 - 9 | 52 - 61 | 10 |
| Special Characters | + / | 62 - 63 | 2 |
| Padding | = | N/A | 1 |
Why Base64 Is Used
Many transmission protocols and storage systems were originally designed to handle text, not raw binary data. Base64 encoding solves this problem by converting binary content into a safe text representation. This makes it essential for scenarios where binary data needs to travel through text-only channels without being corrupted.
Common Use Cases in Development
- Data URIs: Embed images and fonts directly in HTML or CSS using
data:image/png;base64,...to reduce HTTP requests. - Email Attachments: MIME encoding uses Base64 to embed binary attachments in email messages that only support 7-bit ASCII.
- API Authentication: HTTP Basic Authentication encodes the username:password pair in Base64 before sending it in the Authorization header.
- JSON Payloads: Binary data such as files or cryptographic keys are Base64-encoded to fit safely inside JSON strings.
- JWT Tokens: JSON Web Tokens use Base64URL encoding (a URL-safe variant) for the header and payload segments.
Keep in mind that Base64 is an encoding, not encryption. It provides no security or confidentiality. Anyone can decode a Base64 string, so never rely on it to protect sensitive information. For secure data transmission, always use proper encryption methods like TLS/SSL or AES alongside Base64 encoding.