Base64 is a binary-to-text encoding scheme that translates binary data (like images or weird characters) into an ASCII string format. This ensures data remains intact during transport across systems that strictly handle text.

Is Base64 encryption?

No! Base64 is an 'encoding', not 'encryption'. It obfuscates data but offers zero security. Anyone can decode a Base64 string instantly. Never use it to hide sensitive passwords or secrets.

Why does the output end with '='?

The equals sign `=` is a padding character. Base64 encodes data in 4-character blocks. If the input data isn't a multiple of 3 bytes, padding is added to complete the final block.

Base64 Encoder / Decoder | Convert Text & Images Online | Finmato

The Universal Translator for Data

Computers love binary (0s and 1s). The internet, however, was originally built for text. If you try to send a raw image file through an old email system or a URL parameter, it breaks.

Base64 is the solution. It takes any data—images, Emojis, compiled code—and translates it into a safe alphabet of 64 characters (`A-Z`, `a-z`, `0-9`, `+`, `/`). Our tool lets you perform this translation instantly in both directions.

How Encoding Works

It's math, not magic. Base64 takes your binary data (8-bit bytes) and regroups them into 6-bit chunks. Each 6-bit chunk maps to one of 64 printable characters.

Encoding (Text → Base64)

Useful for sending complex data (like JSON with special symbols) over restricted channels like HTTP headers or URLs.

Decoding (Base64 → Text)

Found a weird string looking like `SGVsbG8gV29ybGQ=` in a log file? Paste it here to see what it actually says ("Hello World").

Email Attachments

Under the hood, email systems (MIME) verify attachments by converting files to Base64 text blocks.

Embedding Images

Web developers use "Data URIs" (Base64 strings) to embed small icons directly into CSS or HTML files to save HTTP requests.

API Authentication

Basic Auth headers require you to join `username:password` and encode the result in Base64.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Base64 reduce file size?

No, it actually increases size by about 33%. Since we're converting 8-bit bytes into 6-bit representations, the resulting string is longer than the original data.

What is URL-Safe Base64?

Standard Base64 uses `+` and `/`, which have special meanings in URLs. The "URL-Safe" variant swaps these for `-` and `_` so the string can be put safely in a web address.

Can I decode any random string?

No. The string must be valid Base64 (length must be a multiple of 4, and it can only contain valid characters). If the input is corrupted, decoding will fail.

Security Warning

Again: Base64 is NOT encryption. It is fully reversible without a key. Do not use it to "protect" sensitive data.

Data Processing

We perform all conversions client-side. Your strings/files are not uploaded to our server.

Base64 Converter