Base64 Encoder & Decoder

Encode text to Base64 or decode Base64 strings back to readable text.

Free Online Base64 Encoder and Decoder

The Toolts Base64 tool converts text to Base64 encoding and decodes Base64 strings back to readable text. Base64 is a binary-to-text encoding scheme that represents binary data using a set of 64 ASCII characters (A–Z, a–z, 0–9, +, /). It is one of the most common encoding methods used in web development, email systems, and data transfer protocols.

What Is Base64 Used For?

Base64 encoding is used whenever binary data needs to be transmitted through text-based systems. Common applications include embedding images directly in HTML or CSS (data URIs), encoding email attachments (MIME), transmitting binary data in JSON or XML APIs, storing complex data in cookies or URL parameters, and encoding authentication credentials in HTTP Basic Auth headers.

How Base64 Encoding Works

Base64 takes groups of three bytes (24 bits) and splits them into four 6-bit values. Each 6-bit value maps to one of 64 characters. If the input length is not divisible by three, padding characters (=) are added to the output. This means Base64-encoded data is approximately 33% larger than the original, which is the trade-off for safe text-based transmission.

Frequently Asked Questions

No. Base64 is encoding, not encryption. It does not provide any security — anyone can decode a Base64 string. It is designed for data transport compatibility, not confidentiality. Never use Base64 to protect sensitive information.
Base64 uses 4 characters to represent every 3 bytes of data, resulting in approximately 33% size increase. This overhead is the cost of encoding binary data into a safe text format.
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