Base64 Encode/Decode
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Base64 encoding used for? +
Base64 encodes binary data as ASCII text — used in email attachments (MIME), embedding images in HTML/CSS, HTTP Basic Auth, and JWT tokens.
Is Base64 the same as encryption? +
No. Base64 is encoding, not encryption. Anyone can decode it instantly. Never use Base64 to secure sensitive data — use proper encryption like AES instead.
What is URL-safe Base64? +
Standard Base64 uses + and / which are special URL characters. URL-safe Base64 replaces them with - and _ so the encoded string can be used directly in URLs and JWT tokens.
Why does Base64 output end with = signs? +
The = sign is padding. Base64 groups 3 bytes into 4 characters. When the input isn't divisible by 3, = pads the output to the correct length.
How do I encode an image to Base64 for HTML? +
Use this tool to encode your image file. Then in HTML use: <img src="data:image/png;base64,YOUR_BASE64_HERE">. This embeds the image directly without a separate HTTP request.