Base64 Encoder & Decoder - Technical Deep-Dive
Base64 is a group of binary-to-text encoding schemes that represent binary data in an ASCII string format. It is most commonly used when there is a need to encode binary data that needs to be stored and transferred over media that are designed to deal with textual data.
How Base64 Works
The term "Base64" comes from the fact that it uses 64 unique characters to represent data. The algorithm takes three bytes of data (24 bits) and splits them into four 6-bit chunks. Each chunk is then mapped to a character in the Base64 alphabet (A-Z, a-z, 0-9, +, and /). This ensures that the data is transportable across systems that might otherwise misinterpret binary "non-printable" characters.
Primary Applications
- Data URIs: Embedding images, icons, or small fonts directly into HTML or CSS files to reduce the number of HTTP requests.
- Email Attachments: The MIME standard uses Base64 to send files through the SMTP protocol, which was originally designed for plain text only.
- Basic Authentication: Sending usernames and passwords in HTTP headers (though this should always be combined with HTTPS for security).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this secure?
Yes. All encoding and decoding happens locally in your browser so your data is never sent to any server.
Can I encode images?
Currently, this tool is optimized for text, but Base64 is often used to encode images for embedding in
HTML or CSS.