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Base64 encoder / decoder

Encode text to Base64 or decode a Base64 string back to readable text. Supports UTF-8 characters and data URLs — runs entirely in your browser.

What is Base64?

Base64 is an encoding scheme that converts binary data into a text representation using 64 printable ASCII characters. It was originally designed for email (MIME) but is now used everywhere — embedding images in HTML/CSS, encoding API tokens, passing binary data through JSON, and building data URLs.

When to use Base64 encoding

  • Embedding small images or icons directly in HTML or CSS via data URLs
  • Encoding binary data for JSON payloads or API requests
  • Passing data through systems that only support ASCII text
  • Creating inline attachments in email (MIME encoding)
  • Encoding credentials for HTTP Basic authentication headers

How encoding works

Base64 takes every 3 bytes (24 bits) of input and splits them into four 6-bit groups. Each group maps to one of 64 characters (A-Z, a-z, 0-9, +, /). If the input isn't a multiple of 3 bytes, the output is padded with = characters. This means Base64 output is always about 33% larger than the input.

Work with encoded data in Basedash

If you store Base64-encoded data in your database, Basedash can display and query it alongside your other columns. Connect to PostgreSQL, MySQL, MongoDB, or 750+ other sources and explore your data visually — no manual decoding needed.

FAQ

What is Base64 encoding?
Is my data sent to a server?
Does this support UTF-8?
What is a data URL?
Why is my Base64 output longer than the input?
Can I encode files?

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