Base64 Encoder
Convert any text to Base64 encoding instantly — everything runs in your browser, nothing is uploaded.
What Is Base64 Encoding?
Base64 is a binary-to-text encoding scheme that converts binary data into a string of printable ASCII characters. It uses a set of 64 characters — uppercase letters (A-Z), lowercase letters (a-z), digits (0-9), plus (+), and slash (/) — to represent data. The equals sign (=) is used as padding when the input length isn't a multiple of three bytes.
The encoding works by taking every three bytes (24 bits) of input and splitting them into four groups of six bits. Each six-bit group maps to one of the 64 characters in the Base64 alphabet. This means Base64 output is always about 33% larger than the original data — a trade-off for guaranteed text-safety.
How to Use This Base64 Encoder
Type or paste any text into the input panel on the left. The tool encodes it to Base64 in real time as you type. You can also click "Encode to Base64" to process the full input at once. The encoded output appears in the right panel, ready to copy. Click "Copy Output" to copy the Base64 string to your clipboard. To decode Base64 back to plain text, use the Base64 Decoder.
Where Is Base64 Used?
Base64 encoding appears across many areas of web development and computing. Email systems use it (via MIME) to safely transmit attachments through text-based protocols. Web developers embed small images directly in HTML and CSS using data URIs like data:image/png;base64,.... API authentication often uses Base64 in HTTP Basic Auth headers. JWT (JSON Web Tokens) encode their header and payload segments in Base64URL format. Certificates in PEM format are Base64-encoded DER data wrapped with header and footer lines.
Base64 Is Not Encryption
A common misconception is that Base64 provides security. It does not. Base64 is encoding, not encryption — anyone can decode a Base64 string back to its original form without any password or key. If you need to protect sensitive data, encrypt it first (using AES or another cipher), then Base64-encode the encrypted output for safe transmission.