What is Base64 encoding?

Base64 encoding converts binary data into ASCII text using 64 printable characters (A-Z, a-z, 0-9, +, /). It's commonly used to transmit data through text-only systems.

When should I use Base64 encoding?

Use Base64 when you need to transmit binary data through text-only channels like HTTP headers, JSON, XML, or email. It's also used for embedding images in CSS/HTML and storing binary data in databases.

Does Base64 encoding encrypt my data?

No. Base64 is encoding, not encryption. Anyone can decode Base64 strings. Never use Base64 alone to protect sensitive information.

Why does Base64 make my data larger?

Base64 increases data size by approximately 33% because it represents 3 bytes of data using 4 ASCII characters. This overhead is the cost of text-safe transmission.

What's the difference between Base64 and Base64URL?

Base64URL replaces + and / with - and _ to make the output URL-safe. It's commonly used in JWTs and URLs where + and / would cause issues.

Base64 Encode

Encode text to Base64 format instantly with UTF-8 support

Text (Plain)

Auto-detect: paste text to encode

Input

Mode

Encoding

Base64 (Encoded)

Spacer

Output

What is Base64 Encode?

Encode text and data to Base64 format for safe transmission through text-only systems. Base64 encoding converts binary data into ASCII text, making it suitable for HTTP headers, JSON payloads, email attachments, and configuration files. This tool uses UTF-8 encoding by default for proper Unicode character support.

How to Use

Paste or type the text you want to encode

The tool automatically encodes to Base64

Copy the Base64-encoded output

Use the encoded string in your application

Common Use Cases

Encode data for HTTP headers and API requests

Create Base64 strings for JSON payloads

Encode credentials for HTTP Basic Authentication

Prepare data for email transmission

Encode configuration values

Key Features

Instant Base64 encoding

UTF-8 character encoding support

Standard Base64 format with padding

One-click copy to clipboard

Works offline in your browser

Learn more about this tool with our in-depth guides

Jan 6, 2025•8 min read

Base64 Encoding and Decoding: Complete Developer Guide

Master Base64 encoding and decoding with practical examples. Learn when to use it, common pitfalls, and best practices for handling binary data.

#base64 #encoding #data-conversion+2

Quick Examples

Try these to get started

Encode simple text

Convert plain text to Base64

Hello, World!

Encode JSON data

Encode JSON for API transmission

{"name":"John","age":30}

Encode credentials

Encode credentials for HTTP Basic Auth

username:password

Common Questions

Find answers quickly

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Base64 Encode

What is Base64 Encode?

How to Use

Common Use Cases

Key Features

Related Articles

Base64 Encoding and Decoding: Complete Developer Guide

Quick Examples

Encode simple text

Encode JSON data

Encode credentials

Common Questions

What is Base64 encoding?

What is Base64 encoding?

When should I use Base64 encoding?

When should I use Base64 encoding?

Does Base64 encoding encrypt my data?

Does Base64 encoding encrypt my data?

Why does Base64 make my data larger?

Why does Base64 make my data larger?

What's the difference between Base64 and Base64URL?

What's the difference between Base64 and Base64URL?

Related Tools

Base64 Encoder / Decoder

Base64 Decode

Base64URL Encode

Text to Base64

URL Encoder & Decoder

JWT Decoder

Base64 Encode

What is Base64 Encode?

How to Use

Common Use Cases

Key Features

Related Articles

Base64 Encoding and Decoding: Complete Developer Guide

Quick Examples

Encode simple text

Encode JSON data

Encode credentials

Common Questions

What is Base64 encoding?

What is Base64 encoding?

When should I use Base64 encoding?

When should I use Base64 encoding?

Does Base64 encoding encrypt my data?

Does Base64 encoding encrypt my data?

Why does Base64 make my data larger?

Why does Base64 make my data larger?

What's the difference between Base64 and Base64URL?

What's the difference between Base64 and Base64URL?

Related Tools

Base64 Encoder / Decoder

Base64 Decode

Base64URL Encode

Text to Base64

URL Encoder & Decoder

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