Base64 Encode

Base64 encoding converts binary data into a text string using 64 ASCII characters (A–Z, a–z, 0–9, +, /) and padding with '='. It is used to safely embed binary data in text-based formats like JSON, XML, CSS, and HTTP headers.

Base64 encoding takes binary data and converts it to a safe ASCII text string. 'Hello' in Base64 = 'SGVsbG8='. Every 3 bytes of input produce 4 Base64 characters, making the output ~33% larger than the input.

Key Features

• Encodes any text input to Base64 string format.
• Supports encoding with URL-safe characters (Base64url: replaces + with - and / with _).
• Shows encoding output character count and approximate size increase.
• One-click copy of the encoded output.
• Browser-based — your data never leaves your device.

How to Use the Tool

1. Paste or type your text into the input field.
2. The Base64-encoded output appears instantly below.
3. Click 'Copy' to copy the encoded string to your clipboard.

Core Benefits

• Safely embed images in CSS as data URIs: background-image: url('data:image/png;base64,...').
• Encode credentials for HTTP Basic Authentication headers.
• Store binary configuration data in JSON without escaping issues.

Common Use Cases

• Encoding an API secret key for Base64 Basic Auth headers.
• Creating inline image data URIs for HTML or CSS without separate image files.
• Encoding binary attachments for email (MIME).
• Storing small images in localStorage or JSON config files.
• Encoding UTF-8 text with special characters for URL embedding.

Pro Tips

• Base64 is NOT encryption — it is encoding. Anyone can decode it. Never use Base64 as a security measure.
• Base64 output is about 33% larger than the original. Avoid encoding large files for web performance reasons.
• For URLs, use URL-safe Base64 (Base64url) which replaces + with - and / with _ to avoid URL encoding conflicts.