How Base64 Encoding and Decoding Works and When to Use It
Encode and decode Base64 strings. When developers use Base64 for data URLs, APIs, and binary data in text.
How it works
Base64 turns binary data or Unicode text into a string of ASCII characters (A–Z, a–z, 0–9, +, /). Encoding takes each group of 3 bytes (24 bits) and represents them as 4 Base64 characters. Decoding reverses the process. The tool handles standard Base64 and supports UTF-8 text so you can encode or decode strings used in APIs, data URLs, or certificates.
When developers use it
Developers use Base64 when embedding small images or files in HTML or CSS (data URLs), sending binary data in JSON or XML, encoding credentials in HTTP headers, or working with certificates and tokens. Decoding is used to inspect payloads, debug API responses, or recover original content from Base64-encoded strings.