What Base64 is, why it exists, where it is used, and when you should never use it.
What Base64 actually does
Base64 converts binary data into a string of 64 safe characters (A–Z, a–z, 0–9, +, /). It does not encrypt anything.
Common uses
Embedding small images in CSS/HTML, sending binary in JSON, JWT tokens, email attachments, Basic Auth headers.
The cost
Base64 increases data size by about 33%. Never use it for large files in HTML.
Live example
"Hello" in Base64 is SGVsbG8=. Try it in our free Base64 Encoder or Decoder.
Not encryption
Anyone can decode Base64 instantly. Never use it to "hide" passwords or secrets.