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Base64 Encoder & Decoder

Encode text to Base64 or decode Base64 to plain text. Free, instant, and handles large files.

✓ 100% Free ✓ No Sign-up ✓ Privacy-First

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About Base64 Encoding

Base64 is a binary-to-text encoding scheme that represents binary data in an ASCII string format. It's commonly used for:

  • Embedding images in HTML/CSS
  • Encoding data for email attachments (MIME)
  • Storing complex data in JSON/XML
  • Passing data through URLs safely
  • Basic data obfuscation (not encryption!)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Base64 encoding?
Base64 is an encoding method that converts binary data into a text format using 64 characters (A-Z, a-z, 0-9, +, /). It increases data size by about 33% but makes binary data safe for text-based protocols.
Why use Base64 encoding?
Base64 is essential when you need to transfer binary data through text-only channels like email, JSON APIs, or embed binary content (like images) directly in HTML/CSS. It ensures data integrity across different systems.
Is Base64 encryption?
No! Base64 is NOT encryption and provides NO security. Anyone can decode Base64 text. It's purely an encoding scheme for data format conversion, not for protecting sensitive information.
What's the size increase with Base64?
Base64 encoding increases data size by approximately 33%. For example, a 1KB file becomes about 1.33KB when Base64 encoded. This is because every 3 bytes of input becomes 4 bytes of output.
Can I encode/decode files?
This tool handles text-based encoding. For binary files, you'd first need to read the file as binary, then encode. Our tool can handle large text inputs up to 10MB for most browsers.