Base64 Tool
Base64 Encoding & Decoding
Base64 is a way to represent binary data (like images or files) in an ASCII string format. It is commonly used in email attachments and for embedding small images directly into HTML/CSS.
How It Works
Binary data consists of 8-bit bytes. Base64 divides this data into 6-bit chunks. Each 6-bit chunk maps to one of 64 characters: A-Z, a-z, 0-9, +, and /.
Use Cases
- Data URIs: Embed images in CSS (`background-image: url('data:image/png;base64,...')`) to reduce HTTP requests.
- Email: Sending binary attachments (PDF, JPG) via text-based email protocols (MIME).
- APIs: Passing binary data in JSON payloads.
FAQ
Is Base64 encryption?
No! Base64 is an encoding scheme, not encryption. It provides zero security and can be easily decoded by anyone.
Does it increase file size?
Yes. Base64 encoding typically increases the data size by about 33% compared to the original binary file.