Base64 Encoder/Decoder
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Base64 Encoder/Decoder
Encode text to Base64 or decode Base64 strings instantly.
About Base64 Encoder/Decoder
Encode text to Base64 format or decode Base64 strings back to plain text. Base64 encoding is commonly used for encoding binary data in text-based protocols like email, JSON, and URLs.
Key Features
- Encode text to Base64 format
- Decode Base64 strings to plain text
- Real-time encoding/decoding as you type
- One-click copy to clipboard
- Error handling for invalid Base64 strings
- All processing performed client-side
- No data stored or transmitted
Base64 Encoder/Decoder Use Cases
Discover practical applications for Base64 encoding and decoding
API Development
Encode and decode data in API requests and responses. Base64 is commonly used for encoding binary data in JSON payloads.
Data Transmission
Encode binary data (images, files) as text for transmission over text-based protocols like email, HTTP, or JSON.
Data Storage
Store binary data in text-based storage systems like databases, configuration files, or environment variables.
URL Encoding
Encode data for use in URLs where certain characters need to be represented safely in ASCII format.
Authentication
Encode credentials and tokens in HTTP Basic Authentication and other authentication schemes.
Email Attachments
Encode binary attachments (images, PDFs) as Base64 for embedding in email messages.
Base64 Encoder/Decoder FAQs
Common questions about Base64 encoding and decoding
What is Base64 encoding?
Base64 is an encoding scheme that converts binary data into ASCII text format. It uses 64 characters (A-Z, a-z, 0-9, +, /) to represent binary data as text.
Why use Base64 encoding?
Base64 encoding is used to represent binary data in text-based formats. It's commonly used in email, JSON, XML, and URLs where binary data needs to be transmitted or stored as text.
Is Base64 encryption?
No, Base64 is encoding, not encryption. It can be easily decoded by anyone. It does not provide security or confidentiality - it only changes the format of data.
What is the size increase?
Base64 encoding increases the size of data by approximately 33%. For example, 3 bytes become 4 Base64 characters.
Can I encode images or files?
Yes, you can encode binary data like images or files to Base64. However, for large files, it's more efficient to use file upload APIs rather than Base64 encoding.
Is my data sent to a server?
No, all encoding and decoding is performed client-side in your browser. Your data is not sent to any server, ensuring privacy and security.
What happens if I try to decode invalid Base64?
The tool will display an error message indicating that the input is not a valid Base64 string. Only properly formatted Base64 strings can be decoded.
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