Encode to Base64 format

For binary data (e.g. images, documents) use the file upload form below.

Encode files to Base64 format

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Advanced Options

Newline Separator

Different operating systems use distinct newline characters—Unix and Windows systems, for example, do not share the same line break symbols. Before encoding, any newline characters in your input will be replaced by the option you select. Although this setting is less critical for file uploads (since files already have the appropriate separators), it determines how the "encode each line separately" and "split lines into chunks" features behave.

Encode Each Line Separately

With this option enabled, even the newline characters in your text are converted into Base64. This is particularly useful when you need to encode multiple, distinct data entries that are separated by line breaks. (Note: This setting cannot be used together with the chunk splitting option, as the combined output would not meet standard requirements.)

Split Lines into Chunks

Base64 encoding typically produces one long, continuous string. If you prefer your encoded output to be divided into smaller, manageable segments, select this option. The line breaks will be inserted according to the MIME (RFC 2045) specification, which limits each line to a maximum of 76 characters. (Note: This option is mutually exclusive with the "encode each line separately" feature.)

Perform URL-safe Encoding

Standard Base64 encoding includes characters like "+", "/", and "=" that require percent-encoding in URLs—this can unnecessarily lengthen the string. Activate URL-safe encoding to convert your data into a variant (RFC 4648 / Base64URL) that replaces "+" with "-", "/" with "_", and omits the "=" padding. This makes the encoded output friendly for use in URLs and file names.

Live Mode

When Live Mode is turned on, your input is encoded instantly using your browser's built-in JavaScript functions—without transmitting any data to our servers. Please note that this mode currently supports only the UTF-8 character set.

Note: The options "Encode Each Line Separately" and "Split Lines into Chunks" cannot be activated at the same time, as doing so would render the output invalid for most applications.

Understanding Base64 Encoding

Base64 encoding is a widely used method for converting binary data into a text-based format. This process is essential for safely transmitting data—such as images, files, and multimedia—over networks or embedding it directly into HTML, CSS, or XML without corruption.

How Base64 Encoding Works

The Base64 algorithm transforms binary data into a string composed of 64 different characters. These include uppercase letters (A–Z), lowercase letters (a–z), digits (0–9), and two special symbols (typically "+" and "/"). The encoding process works by:

  1. Converting the input binary data into a sequence of bytes.
  2. Grouping these bytes into sets of three (24 bits).
  3. Dividing the 24-bit group into four 6-bit segments.
  4. Mapping each 6-bit segment to its corresponding Base64 character.
  5. Adding padding with the "=" character when the final group contains fewer than 3 bytes.

Why Use Base64 Encoding?

  • Data Integrity: Encoded data remains intact during transfer, even through systems that only support text.
  • Universal Compatibility: Works across various platforms, programming languages, and protocols (such as MIME for email attachments).
  • Embedded Resources: Allows images and other media to be embedded directly in web pages without external files.
  • Simplicity: Easy to implement and decode, ensuring rapid data conversion for modern web applications.

Common Applications of Base64

Base64 encoding is used in a variety of scenarios including:

  • Email Attachments: Encoding binary files for transmission via MIME.
  • Web Development: Embedding images or other media directly in HTML and CSS using data URIs.
  • APIs and Data Storage: Safely storing or transmitting binary data in JSON, XML, or other text-based formats.

A Practical Example

Consider the word Man: when encoded in Base64, it becomes TWFu. The encoding process converts each character's ASCII value into binary, re-groups the bits, and maps them into the Base64 index table. This ensures that the original data can be accurately reconstructed when decoded.

Our online Base64 encoder tool provides a fast and secure way to encode and decode your data. Whether you're embedding images directly into your webpage or ensuring the safe transmission of binary data, Base64 encoding is a reliable and essential resource for modern web development.