Base64 is an encoding scheme that converts binary data into ASCII text. It's commonly used to encode data in emails, URLs, and data URIs.

When should I use Base64?

Use Base64 when you need to transmit binary data over text-based protocols, embed images in HTML/CSS, or encode data in URLs.

Does Base64 encrypt data?

No, Base64 is encoding, not encryption. It makes data unreadable to casual observers but provides no security. Anyone can decode it.

Why does Base64 increase data size?

Base64 encoding increases data size by approximately 33% because it uses 6 bits per character instead of 8 bits.

Can I encode special characters?

Yes, Base64 can encode any text including special characters, emojis, and non-Latin scripts.

Utility TallyFree private browser tools

Base64 encoder/decoder

Encode and decode Base64 strings

Encode to Base64

Convert text to Base64

How to use this tool

To encode:

Switch to the "Encode" tab
Enter the text you want to encode
Click "Encode" to convert to Base64
Copy the Base64 output

To decode:

Switch to the "Decode" tab
Paste the Base64 string
Click "Decode" to convert back to text
If the Base64 is invalid, an error will be shown

Example

Original text:

Hello, World!

Base64 encoded:

SGVsbG8sIFdvcmxkIQ==

Frequently asked questions

Related tools

Base64 encoder decoder

How the base64 encoder and decoder helps

Use the Base64 encoder and decoder when text needs to be represented safely in places that expect plain ASCII characters, such as examples, headers, data URLs, simple payloads, and debugging notes. Base64 is an encoding format, not encryption, so anyone can decode it.

Utility Tally tools are built for quick, practical workflows: prepare the input, review the result, copy or download the output, and move on without creating an account. The guidance below explains how to use this page responsibly, what the result means, and which related tools or guides can help with the next step.

For best results, start with sample or non-sensitive data when you are learning a tool, then move to real work only after you understand the output. If the result will be sent to a client, imported into software, printed, published, or used in a security-related workflow, take an extra minute to verify formatting, totals, links, spelling, privacy, and destination requirements.

How to use it

Paste readable text and encode it, or paste a Base64 string and decode it.
Check that the output matches the expected character set and content.
Copy the result for your request, documentation, test, or debugging workflow.
Do not use Base64 to hide passwords, private keys, or sensitive information.
Validate decoded output before using it in scripts or configuration.

How it works

Base64 groups binary data into chunks and represents those chunks using a 64-character alphabet plus optional padding. This makes data easier to move through text-only systems, but it increases size and does not provide secrecy or integrity protection.

The result should be treated as a working output, not a substitute for professional review where tax, security, accessibility, legal, accounting, or production data requirements apply. Check the destination system, final format, and any local rules before relying on the result.

Practical tips

Base64 output often ends with equals signs, which are padding characters.

A decoding error usually means the input is incomplete, corrupted, or not Base64.

Encoded data can still contain sensitive information once decoded.

Use hashing or encryption for different goals; Base64 only changes representation.

Base64 Encoder and Decoder FAQ

Base64 encoder/decoder

What is Base64?

When should I use Base64?

Does Base64 encrypt data?

Why does Base64 increase data size?

Can I encode special characters?

How the base64 encoder and decoder helps

Is Base64 secure?

Why is Base64 longer than the original text?

Can Base64 store images?