Base64 is a binary-to-text encoding scheme that represents binary data in an ASCII string format. It is commonly used to embed images in HTML or CSS, transmit data in URLs, encode email attachments, and pass binary data through text-only channels like JSON APIs.
Developers frequently use Base64 encoding for data URIs in CSS, embedding small images directly in HTML, encoding credentials for HTTP Basic Authentication headers, and passing binary payloads through JSON or XML APIs that only support text data.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Base64 encoding encrypt my data?
No. Base64 is an encoding scheme, not encryption. Anyone can decode a Base64 string. It should never be used to protect sensitive information.
Why does Base64 make data larger?
Base64 encoding increases data size by approximately 33% because it represents every 3 bytes of binary data as 4 ASCII characters.
Can I encode binary files with this tool?
This tool is designed for text-to-Base64 encoding. For encoding binary files like images, you would need a file-based encoder that reads raw bytes.
Does this tool handle Unicode text?
Yes, the encoder properly handles Unicode characters including emojis and non-Latin scripts by using UTF-8 encoding before Base64 conversion.
Is my data sent to any server?
No. All encoding and decoding happens entirely in your browser. Your data never leaves your device.