What is Base64 Encoding?
Base64 encoding is a method of converting binary data into an ASCII string format. It is commonly used to encode data that needs to be stored and transferred over media that are designed to deal with textual data. This includes applications such as email via MIME, storing complex data in XML or JSON, or embedding images directly in HTML and CSS files.
How Does Base64 Work?
Base64 encoding works by dividing binary data into 6-bit segments and mapping each segment to a corresponding character in the Base64 alphabet. This results in a string composed of 64 characters (A–Z, a–z, 0–9, +, and /). The encoded output is around 33% larger than the original binary data, but it's safe for transmission and storage in systems that only support text.
Why Use Base64 Encoding?
There are several reasons to use Base64 encoding:
- To safely encode binary data such as images, files, or encryption keys
- To embed image data directly into HTML or CSS
- To ensure data integrity during text-based data transfer (e.g., email, APIs)
- To handle special characters that may break formats or protocols
Base64 Encoder and Decoder Online
Use our free Base64 encoder and decoder tool to easily convert text or files into Base64 format, and decode Base64 back to plain text. It's fast, secure, and works right in your browser – no software installation required.
Is Base64 Secure?
Base64 is not an encryption method. It is simply an encoding scheme. While it helps safely transmit data, it does not provide any security or privacy. For sensitive data, always use encryption in addition to encoding.
Common Use Cases for Base64
- Embedding images in HTML (using the
data:image/png;base64format) - Encoding email attachments
- Storing binary data in JSON or XML
- Encoding credentials in HTTP headers (e.g., Basic Auth)