Base64 Text Encoder
Encode any text string to Base64 format instantly. Perfect for encoding passwords, API tokens, configuration data, or any text that needs to be transmitted in Base64 format.
Base64 Output
Original Length: characters
Encoded Length: characters
Encoding: UTF-8
What is Base64 Text Encoding?
Base64 text encoding converts plain text strings into Base64 format, which represents text data using only ASCII characters. This is commonly used for transmitting text data through systems that only support ASCII, such as email protocols, URLs, or configuration files.
What Are the Common Use Cases for Base64 Text Encoding?
API Authentication: Many APIs require credentials to be Base64 encoded. For example, HTTP Basic Authentication encodes username:password combinations in Base64.
Data URLs: Embedding small text files or data directly in HTML, CSS, or JavaScript using data URLs with Base64 encoding.
Configuration Files: Storing sensitive configuration data or credentials in Base64 format for easy transmission and storage.
Email Attachments: MIME email protocols use Base64 encoding to transmit text attachments and ensure compatibility across different email systems. For encoding files rather than text, use our File to Base64 Encoder.
How Does Base64 Text Encoding Work?
This tool first converts your text to UTF-8 bytes, then encodes those bytes using the Base64 algorithm. Base64 uses 64 different ASCII characters (A-Z, a-z, 0-9, +, /) to represent binary data. Every 3 bytes of input become 4 characters of Base64 output, which is why Base64-encoded data is approximately 33% larger than the original.
Is Base64 Text Encoding Secure and Private?
Important: Base64 is an encoding method, not encryption. It provides no security or privacy. Anyone can decode Base64 text back to its original form. Never use Base64 encoding alone to protect sensitive information—always use proper encryption instead.
This tool runs entirely in your browser using JavaScript. Your text is never sent to any server, ensuring complete privacy for sensitive data like API keys or passwords.
What Does Base64 Text Encoding Look Like?
Here's how text looks when encoded to Base64:
Original text:
Hello, World!Base64 encoded:
SGVsbG8sIFdvcmxkIQ==
The = characters at the end are padding — Base64 output is always a multiple of 4 characters.
To reverse this process, use our Base64 Text Decoder.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I convert text to Base64?
Enter your text in the input field and click "Encode to Base64". The tool converts your text to Base64 instantly in your browser. You can then copy the result or download it as a file.
Is Base64 encoding the same as encryption?
No. Base64 is an encoding method, not encryption. It provides no security — anyone can decode Base64 text back to its original form. Never use Base64 alone to protect sensitive information. Use proper encryption instead.
Why is the Base64 output longer than my input?
Base64 encoding converts every 3 bytes of input into 4 characters of output, resulting in approximately 33% size increase. This trade-off enables binary-safe text transmission through systems that only support ASCII characters.
What is Base64 text encoding used for?
Common uses include HTTP Basic Authentication (encoding username:password), embedding data in URLs, encoding configuration data, transmitting text through email protocols (MIME), and storing text data in JSON or XML formats.