Base64 Encoder/Decoder
Encode and decode Base64 strings
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Base64 encoding and why is it used?
Base64 is a binary-to-text encoding scheme that converts binary data into a set of 64 printable ASCII characters. It is commonly used to embed images in HTML or CSS, transmit binary data over text-based protocols like email (MIME) and JSON APIs, and store complex data in cookies or URL parameters.
Does Base64 encoding provide encryption or security?
No, Base64 is not an encryption method and offers no security whatsoever. It is a reversible encoding that anyone can decode instantly. If you need to protect sensitive data, use proper encryption algorithms like AES or RSA instead.
Why does Base64-encoded data become larger than the original?
Base64 encoding increases data size by approximately 33% because it represents every 3 bytes of input as 4 ASCII characters. This overhead is the trade-off for being able to safely transmit binary data through text-only channels.
Can Base64 handle Unicode and special characters?
Yes, this tool fully supports Unicode text including emojis and characters from non-Latin scripts. The text is first converted to UTF-8 bytes before being Base64-encoded, ensuring accurate round-trip encoding and decoding of any character.
Is my data sent to a server when using this tool?
No, all encoding and decoding happens entirely in your browser using JavaScript. Your data never leaves your device, making it safe to use with sensitive or confidential information.