Base64 encoding is a method of converting binary data into ASCII text format. It's widely used in web development, email systems, and data transfer protocols.
How Does Base64 Work?
Base64 encoding takes every 3 bytes (24 bits) of binary data and converts them into 4 ASCII characters. The resulting text only contains letters (A-Z, a-z), numbers (0-9), plus (+), slash (/), and equals (=) for padding.
Common Use Cases
data:image/png;base64,...Base64 vs Other Encodings
| Feature | Base64 | URL Encoding | Hex |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size overhead | ~33% | Variable | 100% |
| Character set | A-Za-z0-9+/= | ASCII printable | 0-9A-F |
| Use case | Binary data | URL parameters | Debugging |
Try It Yourself
Use our free Base64 Encoder/Decoder to encode or decode Base64 strings instantly in your browser.