Base64 Encoder / Decoder
Mode
Input (Text or File)
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About Base64 Encoder / Decoder
Encode and decode Base64 strings online. Supports text and file encoding. Free tool with instant results, no registration required.
How to Use
Step 1
Select mode: Encode (text/file to Base64) or Decode (Base64 to text/file)
Step 2
For encoding: Enter text or upload a file
Step 3
For decoding: Paste Base64 string
Step 4
Click 'Encode' or 'Decode' button
Step 5
Copy the output to clipboard or download as file
Step 6
Use 'Format' button to add line breaks for readability (encode mode)
Step 7
Click 'Reset' to start over
Features & Benefits
- ✅Encode text to Base64 with full Unicode support
- ✅Decode Base64 to readable text
- ✅Encode files to Base64 (images, documents, any file type)
- ✅Decode Base64 to downloadable files
- ✅Format Base64 output with line breaks for readability
- ✅One-click copy to clipboard
- ✅Download encoded/decoded results
- ✅Real-time character and size information
- ✅100% browser-based - your data never leaves your device
- ✅No file size limits
- ✅100% free - no watermarks, no signup required
FAQs
What is Base64 encoding?
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 to encode binary data for transmission over text-based protocols like email and HTTP.
When should I use Base64 encoding?
Use Base64 for: embedding images in HTML/CSS (data URLs), encoding binary data in JSON/XML, email attachments (MIME), API authentication tokens, storing binary data in text-based databases, and transmitting files over text-only channels.
Can I encode files to Base64?
Yes! You can upload any file (images, PDFs, documents, etc.) and convert it to Base64. This is useful for embedding files in code, APIs, or databases. The tool shows the original file size and encoded size.
How do I decode Base64 back to a file?
Switch to Decode mode, paste the Base64 string, click Decode, then click Download to save the decoded file. The tool automatically handles binary data and creates a downloadable file.
Why is Base64 larger than the original?
Base64 encoding increases data size by approximately 33% because it uses 6 bits per character instead of 8 bits per byte. This overhead is the trade-off for text-safe binary data transmission.
Does Base64 encoding encrypt my data?
No! Base64 is encoding, not encryption. It makes binary data text-safe but doesn't provide security. Anyone can decode Base64. For security, use proper encryption algorithms like AES.
What's the 'Format' button for?
The Format button adds line breaks every 76 characters to the Base64 output, making it more readable and compliant with MIME standards. This is useful for email attachments and documentation.
Is my data uploaded to a server?
No! All encoding and decoding happens entirely in your browser. Your text and files never leave your device, ensuring complete privacy and security.
Can I encode Unicode text?
Yes! Our tool properly handles Unicode characters (emojis, non-Latin scripts, special symbols) using UTF-8 encoding before Base64 conversion, ensuring accurate encoding and decoding.