Base64 Encoder & Decoder - Free Online Tool

Encode text to Base64 or decode Base64 strings instantly. Fast, secure, and easy-to-use Base64 conversion tool for developers.

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About Base64 Encoder & Decoder Tool

What is Base64 Encoding?

Base64 is a binary-to-text encoding scheme that converts binary data into ASCII string format. It's commonly used to encode data that needs to be stored or transferred over media designed to handle text. Base64 encoding is widely used in email attachments, data URLs, JWT tokens, and API authentication.

How to Use Base64 Encoder/Decoder

  1. Select Mode: Choose "Encode" to convert text to Base64, or "Decode" to convert Base64 back to text.
  2. Enter Text: Paste your text or Base64 string into the input field.
  3. Convert: Click the "Encode" or "Decode" button to perform the conversion.
  4. Copy Result: Use the "Copy to Clipboard" button to copy the converted result.
  5. Clear & Repeat: Click "Clear" to start a new conversion.

Why Use Base64 Encoding?

Base64 encoding is essential for transmitting binary data over text-based protocols like HTTP, email (SMTP), and JSON. It ensures data integrity during transmission by converting binary data into a format that can safely pass through systems that only support text. Base64 is also used in data URLs, authentication tokens, and encoding credentials.

Common Use Cases

  • Email Attachments: MIME email attachments use Base64 encoding to send binary files.
  • Data URLs: Embed images and files directly in HTML/CSS using Base64 data URLs.
  • API Authentication: Basic authentication headers use Base64 encoding for credentials.
  • JWT Tokens: JSON Web Tokens use Base64URL encoding for header and payload.
  • File Transfer: Transfer binary files over text-only protocols safely.
  • Configuration Files: Store binary data in text-based configuration files.

Who Should Use This Tool?

This Base64 encoder/decoder is perfect for web developers, software engineers, API developers, security professionals, and anyone working with data encoding. Whether you're debugging API requests, analyzing JWT tokens, or working with data URLs, this tool provides quick and reliable Base64 conversion.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Base64 encoding is used to convert binary data into ASCII text format for safe transmission over text-based protocols. Common uses include email attachments (MIME), data URLs in HTML/CSS, API authentication headers, JWT tokens, and transferring binary files over HTTP.

No, Base64 is NOT encryption and provides no security. It's simply an encoding method that converts data to a different format. Base64-encoded data can be easily decoded by anyone. Never use Base64 alone to protect sensitive information - use proper encryption instead.

To decode Base64, select "Decode" mode, paste your Base64 string into the input field, and click "Decode". The tool will convert the Base64 string back to its original text format. Make sure the Base64 string is valid and properly formatted.

This tool is designed for text encoding/decoding. For image to Base64 conversion, you'll need a specialized image encoder that can read binary image files and convert them to Base64 data URLs. However, you can decode Base64 image data URLs using this tool.

Yes, our Base64 encoder and decoder is completely free to use with no registration required. You can encode and decode unlimited Base64 strings at no cost. Your data is processed client-side and never stored on our servers.

Base64URL is a URL-safe variant of Base64 that replaces '+' with '-' and '/' with '_', and removes padding '=' characters. It's used in URLs and filenames where standard Base64 characters might cause issues. JWT tokens commonly use Base64URL encoding.