Base64 Encoder/Decoder
Encode and decode Base64 strings instantly
What is Base64?
Base64 is a binary-to-text encoding scheme that represents bytes using a limited, printable character set. It is commonly used to embed binary data (like images or files) inside text formats such as JSON, HTML, or URLs.
Why use Base64?
- Safely transmit binary data over text-only channels.
- Embed small assets inline to reduce extra network requests.
- Move data between systems that expect ASCII-safe characters.
URL-safe Base64
When placing Base64 in URLs or cookies, use the URL-safe variant that replaces + and / with - and_. Some implementations also omit padding (=). Ensure both encoder and decoder agree on the format.
Tips
- Base64 is encoding, not encryption-do not rely on it for security.
- Large payloads become ~33% bigger; consider links or file uploads instead of embedding very large data.
- Validate and format JSON before embedding Base64 to avoid parsing issues.
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FAQs
Is Base64 encryption?
No. Base64 is a encoding scheme that converts binary data into a text format. It is not encryption.
What is URL-safe Base64?
URL-safe Base64 replaces + and / with - and _. Some variants also omit padding (=).
Why do some Base64 strings end with =?
Padding with = aligns data to 4-character blocks. Ensure both encoder and decoder agree on the format when padding is omitted.