Base64 Encoder / Decoder
Encode text to Base64 or decode Base64 back to readable text instantly. Perfect for data transmission, API authentication, and web development tasks. All processing happens securely in your browser.
📁 Or drag & drop a text file here
How to Use the Base64 Encoder/Decoder
Input Your Data
Paste your text to encode or Base64 data to decode into the input field. You can also drag and drop text files for processing. The tool automatically detects the input type.
Choose Operation
Click "Encode to Base64" to convert text to Base64 format, or "Decode from Base64" to convert Base64 back to readable text. Enable auto-processing for real-time conversion.
Copy & Use Result
The result appears instantly in the output field. Click "Copy Result" to copy it to your clipboard and use it in your applications, APIs, or data transmission tasks.
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 ASCII text format using 64 printable characters (A-Z, a-z, 0-9, +, /). It's commonly used for encoding data in email attachments, embedding images in HTML/CSS, API authentication tokens, and transmitting binary data over text-based protocols like HTTP and JSON.
Is Base64 encoding secure for sensitive data?
+No, Base64 is NOT encryption or security - it's just encoding for data transmission. Anyone can easily decode Base64 data back to its original form. Never use Base64 alone for sensitive information like passwords or personal data. For security, use proper encryption methods before Base64 encoding if needed for transmission.
Why does Base64 encoded data appear longer than the original?
+Base64 encoding increases data size by approximately 33% because it converts every 3 bytes of input into 4 characters of output. This overhead is the trade-off for ensuring the data can be safely transmitted through text-based systems that might not handle binary data correctly.
What are common use cases for Base64 encoding?
+Common uses include: embedding images in HTML/CSS (data URLs), encoding email attachments, API authentication tokens (like JWT), transmitting binary files through JSON APIs, storing binary data in databases that only support text, and encoding configuration data for web applications.
Can this tool handle large files and special characters?
+Yes! Our tool handles UTF-8 text including emojis, accented characters, and symbols from any language. For large files, processing happens entirely in your browser, so performance depends on your device's memory. Very large files (>10MB) may take longer to process but will work correctly.