Base64 Converter
Securely encode and decode text or files to Base64 format. 100% client-side processing for ultimate privacy.
Understanding the Base64 Converter
How to Use This Tool
- 1Enter your plain text or paste a Base64 string into the input area.
- 2Select the 'Encode' or 'Decode' mode using the toggle button.
- 3View the results instantly in the output panel.
- 4Upload files directly to convert images or PDFs to Base64 Data URLs.
Key Benefits & Features
File Support
Upload images, fonts, or documents to get their Base64 representation instantly.
Two-Way Conversion
Switch between encoding and decoding with a single click.
Universal Compatibility
Works with all standard Base64 encoding variants including URL-safe variants.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Base64 encoding?
Base64 is a binary-to-text encoding scheme that represents binary data in an ASCII string format. It's used to encode data that needs to be stored or transferred over media designed to handle text.
How do I convert an image to Base64?
Simply use our 'Upload File' button. Once you select an image, the tool will automatically generate its Base64 representation (Data URL) for you.
Is Base64 a form of encryption?
No, Base64 is NOT encryption. It is an encoding method. Anyone can easily decode it. Never use it to 'secure' sensitive data like passwords.
What are common use cases for Base64?
It's widely used for embedding images directly in HTML or CSS (Data URIs), sending attachments in emails via SMTP, and passing small amounts of binary data in JSON.
Can I decode Base64 back to text?
Yes, our tool works both ways. You can paste a Base64 string to see the original plain text or upload a file to see its decoded content.
Why is the Base64 string larger than the original file?
Base64 encoding increases the data size by approximately 33% because it uses 4 characters to represent every 3 bytes of data.
Does it support all file types?
Yes, you can upload any file to get its Base64 encoding. However, it's most commonly used for images, fonts, and small icons.
Can I download the decoded file?
Yes, if you decode a Base64 string back to its original format, you can download the result using the 'Download' button.
What is a Base64 Data URL?
A Data URL is a URI scheme that allows you to embed data (like images) directly in a webpage using the format 'data:[mimetype];base64,[data]'.
Is there a limit on file size for conversion?
We support files up to several megabytes. For very large files, your browser might experience performance issues during the encoding process.