Base64 Encoder & Decoder
Binary‑to‑Text Encoding · ASCII
encode(text) → base64 · decode(base64) → text
Encode text to Base64 or decode Base64 back to text. Used in email, JSON, APIs, and data transmission.
Presets:
0 chars
0 chars
idle
Conversion Steps
0 steps| # | Input | ASCII (Hex) | Binary | Base64 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Enter text to see conversion steps | ||||
Base64 Alphabet Reference
A‑Z, a‑z, 0‑9, +, /, = (padding)
| Index | Char | Index | Char | Index | Char | Index | Char |
|---|
Uses standard Base64 alphabet (A‑Z a‑z 0‑9 + / =) · Supports UTF‑8 · Padding added when needed
Variables
| Symbol | Quantity | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| text | Plain Text | characters |
| base64 | Base64 String | characters |
What it means
Base64 uses 64 characters (A‑Z, a‑z, 0‑9, +, /) to represent binary data. It converts every 3 bytes of binary into 4 printable characters. This ensures safe transmission over text‑based protocols.
Worked example
Example 1 – Encode a Name
Common UseScenario: A user wants to encode the name "John" into Base64 format for learning purposes.
| Plain Text | Base64 Output |
|---|---|
| John | Sm9obg== |
Result: The text "John" is successfully encoded into Base64.
Example 2 – Encode and Decode a Message
Real-WorldScenario: A developer needs to send the text "Hello World" safely in a JSON payload.
| Operation | Value |
|---|---|
| Text | Hello World |
| Base64 | SGVsbG8gV29ybGQ= |
| Decoded Text | Hello World |
Result: The encoded value can be decoded back into the original text without any data loss.
Example 3 – Encode an Email Address
EducationalScenario: A user wants to encode an email address before storing or transmitting it as text.
| Plain Text | Base64 Output |
|---|---|
| john@example.com | am9obkBleGFtcGxlLmNvbQ== |
Result: The email address is represented as a Base64-encoded string.
Common mistakes
- Adding line breaks or extra characters in the Base64 string.
- Using URL‑safe Base64 variants when not expected.
- Assuming Base64 is encryption (it is not, it is encoding).
- Not padding the Base64 string with = signs when required.
Applications
- Transmit binary data in email or HTML.
- Embed images or files in JSON or XML.
- Store binary data in databases that only accept text.
- Obfuscate (not secure) data for simple transport.
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