Base64 Encoder & Decoder
Encode text to Base64 or decode Base64 back to text instantly
Drag & drop a file or click to browse
Supports text files, images, PDFs (max 5MB)
How to Use Base64 Encoder/Decoder
Step-by-Step Guide
Enter Your Input
Type or paste your text in the input box, or upload a file for encoding.
Choose Action
Click "Encode to Base64" to convert text to Base64, or "Decode from Base64" to convert back to text.
View Results
Instantly see the encoded or decoded result in the output box.
Copy or Download
Use the copy button to copy to clipboard or download the result as a text file.
Common Use Cases
API Development
Encode binary data for transmission in JSON APIs or HTTP requests.
Image Embedding
Embed images directly in HTML/CSS using data URLs (base64 encoded images).
Data Obfuscation
Mild obfuscation for sensitive data (not encryption - use for non-critical data).
Database Storage
Store binary files (PDFs, images) in text-based database fields.
Base64 Characteristics
What Base64 Does:
- Converts binary data to ASCII text format
- Uses 64 characters: A-Z, a-z, 0-9, +, /, = (padding)
- Increases size by ~33% (3 bytes → 4 characters)
- Safe for transmission over text-based protocols
What Base64 Is NOT:
- Not encryption - easily reversible
- Not compression - increases data size
- Not secure - don't use for passwords/secrets
- Not efficient for large files (>5MB)
Base64 Examples
| Original Text | Base64 Encoded | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Hello World! | SGVsbG8gV29ybGQh | Simple text encoding |
| {"name":"John","age":30} | eyJuYW1lIjoiSm9obiIsImFnZSI6MzB9 | JSON data for APIs |
| password123 | cGFzc3dvcmQxMjM= | Basic obfuscation (not secure) |
| https://loginma.com | aHR0cHM6Ly90b29sc2R1ZC5jb20= | URL encoding for data URLs |
Data URL Example (Base64 Encoded Image)
A 1x1 pixel transparent PNG encoded as Base64:
This tiny image is embedded directly in HTML/CSS
Frequently Asked Questions
NO, Base64 is NOT encryption and should NOT be used for securing sensitive data.
Base64 is simply an encoding scheme that converts binary data to ASCII text. It's easily reversible by anyone with a Base64 decoder.
For sensitive data, use:
- • Encryption (AES, RSA) for data protection
- • Hashing (SHA-256, bcrypt) for passwords
- • HTTPS for data transmission
Base64 is only for data representation, not for security.
Base64 converts every 3 bytes (24 bits) of binary data into 4 ASCII characters (each character represents 6 bits).
How it works:
• 3 bytes binary = 24 bits
• Split into 4 groups of 6 bits each
• Each 6-bit group = 1 Base64 character
• Result: 3 bytes → 4 characters = 33% size increase
This size increase is acceptable because Base64 makes binary data safe for text-based systems (email, JSON, XML, etc.).
Base64 Encoding
- • Converts binary → ASCII text
- • Uses: A-Z, a-z, 0-9, +, /, =
- • 33% size increase
- • For: Images in HTML, file attachments
- • Example:
SGVsbG8=
URL Encoding
- • Encodes special URL characters
- • Uses: % followed by hex code
- • Variable size increase
- • For: URL parameters, form data
- • Example:
Hello%20World
Key Difference: Base64 is for binary data, URL encoding is for text in URLs. They serve different purposes and are not interchangeable.
This tool can handle files up to 5MB in the browser. For larger files:
Limitations for large files:
- • Browser memory limits (varies by browser)
- • Performance degradation with files > 5MB
- • Base64 increases size by 33%
- • Large Base64 strings can crash browsers
For large files (>5MB): Use server-side encoding or specialized libraries. Base64 is inefficient for large files due to the 33% size increase.
The equals signs (=) at the end of Base64 strings are padding characters.
Why padding is needed:
• Base64 works in 3-byte (24-bit) chunks
• If input isn't divisible by 3, padding is added
• 1 byte missing → add == (2 padding chars)
• 2 bytes missing → add = (1 padding char)
• Example: "AB" (2 bytes) → "QUI=" (4 chars)
Padding ensures the Base64 string length is always a multiple of 4 characters. Most Base64 decoders handle padding automatically, but it's part of the standard.
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