overview

What is Base64 Encoder Decoder

"It is commonly used to encode binary data in email messages, HTML files, and other text-based formats that do not support binary data."

Base64 is a binary-to-text encoding scheme that represents binary data in an ASCII string format. It is a widely used method to encode data that needs to be transmitted over channels that are designed to handle textual data only.

In Base64 encoding, every three bytes of binary data are converted into four characters from a limited set of 64 characters. These 64 characters include uppercase and lowercase letters, digits, and some special characters. Base64 encoding increases the data size by 33% as each group of 3 bytes is converted into 4 characters.

example

How Base64 Encoding Decoding Works?

For example, let's say we have the following binary data: 
                                
                                    01100001 01100010 01100011
This represents the ASCII characters "abc". To encode this data using Base64, we divide the binary data into groups of 6 bits, like so: 
                                
                                    011000 010110 001101 100000
We then convert each group of 6 bits into the corresponding Base64 character, according to the following table: 
                                
                                    Value     Character
                                    000000    A
                                    000001    B
                                    ...
                                    011000    Y
                                    011001    Z
                                    011010    a
                                    011011    b
                                    ...
                                    111101    /
                                    111110    +
                                    111111    =
Using this table, we can convert each group of 6 bits into a Base64 character, resulting in the following encoded data: 
                                
                                    YWJj

To decode this data back to its original form, we simply reverse the process, starting with the Base64 characters and converting them back to binary. We then group the binary data into bytes and decode it as needed. You can use Base64 encoding decoding method available in every programming language, or use our online tool to encode and decode base64 strings.

online tool

Base64 Encoder Decoder Tool

Online Base64 encode/decode tool are web-based tool that allow users to encode or decode data using the Base64 encoding scheme. This tool are often used when someone needs to encode or decode data quickly and easily without having to write any code.

Base64 Conversion Type:


Input String:

Convert String
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Output String:

Important Note:
Disclaimer: When using this online Base64 encoder and decoder tool, it's important to be aware of the security risks involved in transmitting sensitive data over the internet. It's recommended to use a trusted and secure tool like this and avoid using them for confidential or sensitive data. For privacy purpose we don't save or store any base64 data that processed using this tool.
FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about Base64 string encoder and decoder:

  • What is Base64 encoding?

    Base64 is a binary-to-text encoding scheme that converts binary data into ASCII string format. In Base64 encoding, every three bytes of binary data are converted into four characters from a limited set of 64 characters. The encoding is commonly used to represent binary data in a format that can be transmitted over channels that are designed to handle textual data only.

  • What is Base64 decoding?

    Base64 decoding is the process of converting Base64 encoded data back into its original binary form. This is done by reversing the process of Base64 encoding, where each set of four characters is converted back into a corresponding set of three bytes.

  • What is Base64 used for?

    Base64 is used to encode binary data into a format that can be transmitted over channels that are designed to handle textual data only. It is commonly used in email systems, web pages, and data exchange protocols to ensure that binary data is transmitted accurately and reliably.

  • What characters are used in Base64 encoding?

    Base64 encoding uses a limited set of 64 characters to represent binary data. These characters include uppercase and lowercase letters, digits, and some special characters. The complete list of Base64 characters can be found in the encoding table.

  • How does Base64 increase data size?

    Base64 encoding increases data size by 33% as each group of three bytes is converted into four characters. This is because each character in Base64 represents 6 bits of data, whereas each byte represents 8 bits of data. Therefore, to represent 24 bits of data (3 bytes), four Base64 characters are required.

  • Is Base64 encryption or compression?

    Base64 is not encryption or compression. It is an encoding scheme used to represent binary data in a format that can be transmitted over channels that are designed to handle textual data only. Encoding converts data from one format to another, but it does not provide any security or compression benefits.

  • Is Base64 reversible?

    Yes, Base64 is reversible. The process of Base64 encoding is reversible, meaning that the original binary data can be retrieved by decoding the Base64 encoded data. However, it should be noted that Base64 encoding is not a form of encryption, and the encoded data can be easily decoded if intercepted by unauthorized parties.

  • How can I encode or decode Base64 strings?

    You can encode or decode Base64 strings using a variety of methods, including online tools (such as we have in above section), programming languages, and command-line tools. Many programming languages have built-in functions or libraries for encoding and decoding Base64 strings, such as Python's base64 module. Online tools are also available that allow you to encode or decode Base64 strings without writing any code.