Base64 Encoder/Decoder

Advanced Base64 encoder and decoder with file support, URL-safe encoding, validation, and developer features. Essential tool for developers.

Last updated: 1/21/2025

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Base64 Encoder/Decoder

DEVELOPER TOOLS

Settings

Text Input

Base64 Output

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Base64 encoding and why is it used?

Base64 is a binary-to-text encoding scheme that converts binary data into ASCII string format. It's commonly used for encoding binary data in contexts that handle text, such as email attachments, JSON APIs, and web applications.

What's the difference between standard and URL-safe Base64?

Standard Base64 uses '+' and '/' characters, while URL-safe Base64 uses '-' and '_' instead. URL-safe encoding prevents issues when Base64 data is used in URLs or filenames where '+' and '/' have special meanings.

Can I encode files with this tool?

Yes! The File Encoding tab allows you to upload any file and convert it to Base64. You can also decode Base64 back to files and download them. This is useful for embedding files in JSON, HTML, or other text-based formats.

What does 'No Padding' option do?

Base64 padding uses '=' characters to make the encoded string length a multiple of 4. The 'No Padding' option removes these characters for more compact encoding, though the result may not be compatible with all Base64 decoders.

Why should I chunk the output?

Chunking breaks long Base64 strings into multiple lines, making them more readable and easier to handle in code or configuration files. Common chunk sizes are 64 or 76 characters per line.

How do I use Base64 for authentication?

Basic HTTP authentication uses Base64 to encode 'username:password' credentials. Use the 'Basic Authentication' pattern from the examples tab to see how this works. Note: Base64 is encoding, not encryption - always use HTTPS for security.

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