InstaUtils

base64 encoder

Encode and decode Base64 instantly. No terminal commands. Works for text, images, data. Free developer tool.

A Base64 encoder and decoder helps you convert text or binary data into Base64 format and vice versa. This tool is essential for developers working with APIs, web developers embedding data in HTML or CSS, system administrators handling configuration files, and anyone who needs to encode or decode Base64 strings. By using a Base64 encoder, you can safely transmit binary data through text-based protocols, embed data in URLs or JSON, and handle data encoding requirements. The tool processes data entirely in your browser, ensuring privacy and instant results without any server transmission.

What is base64 encoder?

Base64 is a binary-to-text encoding scheme that represents binary data using 64 ASCII characters. It converts binary data into a text format that can be safely transmitted through text-based protocols like HTTP, email, or stored in text files. Base64 encoding is not encryption—it does not provide security, only a way to represent data. Anyone can decode Base64 strings. The encoding increases data size by approximately 33% due to the conversion process. Base64 is commonly used for encoding images in data URLs, transmitting binary data in JSON, and embedding credentials or tokens in URLs.

Common use cases

  • API development: Encode authentication tokens, credentials, or binary data for API requests and responses
  • Web development: Embed images or small files as data URLs in HTML or CSS using Base64 encoding
  • Data transmission: Encode binary data for transmission through text-based protocols like JSON or XML
  • Configuration files: Encode sensitive or binary data in configuration files that require text format
  • Email attachments: Encode binary attachments for email systems that only support text
  • Database storage: Store binary data in text-based database fields that do not support binary types

Limitations and common mistakes

  • Base64 encoding increases data size by approximately 33%, making it inefficient for large files
  • Base64 is not encryption and provides no security. Encoded data can be easily decoded by anyone
  • Very large text inputs may experience processing delays in the browser
  • The tool handles text encoding/decoding. For binary files like images, use dedicated image-to-base64 converters
  • Invalid Base64 strings will result in decoding errors and must be corrected before processing

How to use this base64 encode/decode

  1. Select the mode: Encode (text to Base64) or Decode (Base64 to text)
  2. Enter or paste your text in the input field
  3. The conversion happens automatically as you type
  4. View the result in the output field
  5. Copy the encoded or decoded result using the copy button

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Base64 encoding?

Base64 is a binary-to-text encoding scheme that represents binary data in ASCII string format using 64 characters. It's commonly used for encoding data in URLs, emails, JSON, and storing binary data in text formats.

Is Base64 secure?

No, Base64 is not encryption—it's encoding. It does not provide security, just a way to represent binary data as text. Anyone can decode Base64 strings easily. For security, use proper encryption methods.

What can I encode or decode?

You can encode/decode any text string. Common uses include encoding images, JSON data, authentication tokens, or binary content for transmission over text-based protocols.

Does Base64 encoding increase file size?

Yes, Base64 encoding increases data size by approximately 33% because it converts binary data to a text representation using more characters than the original binary format.

Can I encode binary files?

This tool is designed for text encoding/decoding. For binary files like images, use dedicated image-to-base64 converters that handle file uploads and proper MIME type handling.

Is my data stored or sent to a server?

No. All encoding and decoding happens entirely in your browser. Your data is never sent to any server, stored anywhere, or transmitted over the network, ensuring complete privacy.