Online Base64 Encoder and Decoder - Encode and Decode online

Welcome to our free online Base64 encoding and decoding tool. This tool converts binary data like images, files, and code into a text format using Base64 encoding. It can also decode Base64 encoded data back into its original binary format.

It is commonly used to transmit binary data over text-based systems like email, HTTP, and HTML. It encodes data by converting binary values to a text format using 64 printable ASCII characters.

Read our guide below to learn more, then use the encoder/decoder tool to convert your data.

Base64 Encoder

Encoded Base64 Format:

Base64 Decoder

Decoded Base64 Format:

What is Base64 encoding?

It converts binary data into a text format using 64 printable ASCII characters. It represents binary data in ASCII text using a 6 bit binary to text encoding scheme. Base64 is commonly used to send binary data over text-based systems.

Why is encoding used?

The main purpose is to convert binary data into a text format that can be safely transmitted over text-based systems. For example, it is used to encode attachments in email, embed images in HTML, and transmit binary data in URLs. It is also used in authentication systems like Basic Auth to send credentials.

What are the main use cases for Base64?

Encoding :

file attachments in emails
binary data sent in URLs
REST API credentials
user credentials in Basic Authentication

Embedding images in HTML and CSS
Converting binary data to string format in programming

How does Base64 encoding work? Can you explain the algorithm? How does it transform binary data into a text-based representation?

The algorithm works by converting binary data into ASCII text using a 64-character set. Here is a quick overview of how it works:

The binary data is broken into 24-bit chunks (3 bytes of 8 bits each).
Each 24-bit chunk produces 4 6-bit sections (24 / 6 = 4 chunks of 6 bits).
Each 6-bit binary section is mapped to an ASCII character based on a translation table. The table uses 64 printable ASCII characters (A-Z, a-z, 0-9, +, /).
The mapped ASCII characters are concatenated together into the encoded output.

For example, the 3 bytes [01100010 01101001 01101110] would get split into 4 6-bit sections:
011000 = V
010110 = W
001100 = L
000110 = G

These 6-bit values map to ASCII characters "VWLG". This text-based representation encodes the original binary input in a format that can be safely transmitted over text protocols.

The decoding process reverses these steps to convert the ASCII text back to the binary data. So Base64 provides a way to convert raw binary into a text format.

How can I Base64 encode or decode data?

Use our free online tool! Simply enter or paste your binary data or encoded data into the input box. Then select either "Encode" or "Decode" and the conversion will be performed for you.

For developers, most languages like JavaScript, Java, Python, PHP also provide encoding/decoding functions.

What are some examples of Base64 encoding and decoding?

Encode binary data

Input (binary): [01100010 01101001 01101110 01100001 01110010 01111001]

Encoded: YmluYXJ5

Decode encoded data

Input (Base64): YmluYXJ5

Decoded (binary): [01100010 01101001 01101110 01100001 01110010 01111001]

So in summary, Base64 helps convert binary data to text format for transmission over text-based systems and the internet. Our encoder/decoder makes it easy to convert your data.