Base64 & Base Encoder / Decoder
Encode and decode Base64, Hex, Binary, Octal, and Base32 instantly. Convert text in your browser with UTF-8 support, copy output, and compare all formats.
How It Works
Translates text or binary data into Base64 (or other bases) by mapping binary sequences to printable ASCII characters, ensuring safe transmission over text-based protocols.
Formula
Base64 Encoding: 3 bytes (24 bits) → 4 Base64 characters (6 bits each)
Each character in the Base64 alphabet represents 6 bits of the original data. If the input data isn't a multiple of 3 bytes, padding characters (=) are added.
Worked Example
Encoding 'Hi' to Base64
- Text: 'Hi'
- ASCII Bytes: 72 (H), 105 (i)
- Binary: 01001000 01101001
- Pad to 24 bits: 01001000 01101001 00000000
- Split to 6-bit groups: 010010 000110 100100 000000
- Map to Base64 Alphabet: 'S', 'G', 'k', '=' (padding)
- Result: SGk=
Common Mistakes
✕
Using Base64 for encryption
✓
Base64 is encoding, not encryption. It provides no security and can be easily decoded by anyone.
✕
Mishandling URL-safe Base64
✓
Standard Base64 uses + and /, which break URLs. URL-safe Base64 replaces them with - and _.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Guide & Instructions
2026-07-13
What is Base64 Encoding? How Base64, Hex, and Binary Conversions Work
Understand how data is converted into text-safe strings, why Base64 is used in web development, and how to encode/decode data.
Read full guide →