Base64 Converter
Encode and decode text to Base64 instantly. Supports standard and URL-safe Base64 with real-time conversion.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Base64 encoding?
Base64 is a binary-to-text encoding scheme that represents binary data using 64 ASCII characters (A-Z, a-z, 0-9, +, /). It is commonly used to transmit data over text-only channels like JSON, XML, and email.
Is Base64 encryption?
No. Base64 is reversible encoding, not encryption. Anyone can decode a Base64 string without a key. Never use it to protect passwords or sensitive data.
Why does Base64 make data ~33% larger?
Base64 encodes every 3 bytes of input into 4 characters of output. This 4:3 ratio means the encoded result is always about 33% larger than the original.
What is URL-safe Base64?
URL-safe Base64 replaces + with - and / with _ to avoid conflicts with URL encoding. It is widely used in JWTs (JSON Web Tokens), data URIs, and query string parameters.
Can Base64 handle Unicode and emoji?
Yes. Text is first encoded to UTF-8 bytes, and those bytes are then Base64-encoded. This tool handles Unicode automatically.
When should I use Base64 for text?
Use Base64 when transmitting binary or special characters through text-only systems such as JSON payloads, XML documents, email headers, or URL query strings.