- What is Base64 encoding?
- Base64 encoding converts binary or text data into a string of ASCII characters (A–Z, a–z, 0–9, +, /) so it can be safely used in JSON, URLs, or email. Each group of 3 bytes becomes 4 characters; padding with = is used when needed.
- How do I decode a Base64 string?
- Paste the Base64 string into the input area, select Decode mode, and the decoded text or binary (e.g. image) appears in the output. The tool auto-normalizes URL-safe characters (- and _) and padding.
- What is the difference between Base64 and Base64URL?
- Standard Base64 uses + and / and optional = padding. Base64URL uses - and _ and no padding, so it is safe in URLs and tokens (e.g. JWTs).
- Is it safe to paste sensitive data into a Base64 decoder?
- This tool runs entirely in your browser; nothing is sent to our servers. Your data never leaves your device. For extra caution, use the security scanner and avoid sharing the page URL if it contains the data in the query string.
- How do I encode an image to Base64?
- Switch to File mode, then drag and drop your image or click to select it. The tool will output the raw Base64 string (and show a preview). You can also paste the result into Image mode to see the preview again.
- Why does Base64 encoded output end with = or ==?
- Padding characters (=) make the string length a multiple of 4 so the decoder can work correctly. One = means 2 padding bytes; == means 1. Base64URL and No-Padding variants omit them.
- What is MIME Base64 used for?
- MIME Base64 (RFC 2045) wraps lines at 76 characters with CRLF. It is used in email attachments and multipart MIME bodies.
- Can I encode large files to Base64 in the browser?
- Yes. This tool supports files up to 50MB. Files over 5MB are processed in a background task so the page stays responsive.