Question 1

What is Base64 used for?

Accepted Answer

Base64 is commonly used for: embedding images in HTML/CSS using data URIs, sending binary files via email (MIME encoding), encoding authentication credentials in HTTP Basic Auth, transmitting binary data in JSON or XML payloads, and storing binary data in text-only databases or configuration files.

Question 2

Is Base64 encoding secure?

Accepted Answer

No, Base64 is NOT secure and should never be used to protect sensitive data. It's a simple encoding scheme that anyone can decode instantly. For security, use proper encryption methods like AES or RSA. Base64 only makes data safe for transmission, not safe from prying eyes.

Question 3

Why does Base64 make files larger?

Accepted Answer

Base64 increases file size by approximately 33%. This happens because 3 bytes of binary data become 4 ASCII characters. Every 6 bits of input maps to one 8-bit ASCII character, so you get 4 characters for every 3 bytes. This overhead is the trade-off for text-safe transmission.

Question 4

What is URL-safe Base64?

Accepted Answer

Standard Base64 uses '+' and '/' characters, which have special meanings in URLs. URL-safe Base64 replaces these with '-' and '_' respectively, making the encoded string safe to use in URLs, filenames, and query parameters without additional percent-encoding.

Question 5

Can Base64 decode Unicode and emojis?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but with care. Unicode text (including emojis) should first be encoded to UTF-8 bytes, then those bytes are Base64 encoded. When decoding, you get UTF-8 bytes back, which then decode to the original Unicode text. This tool handles UTF-8 automatically.

Question 6

Is my data sent to a server when using this tool?

Accepted Answer

No. All encoding and decoding happens entirely in your browser using JavaScript. Your data never leaves your device and is processed locally. When you close the page, all data is cleared from memory.

Question 7

base64Encoder.faq.q7.question

Accepted Answer

base64Encoder.faq.q7.answer

Question 8

base64Encoder.faq.q8.question

Accepted Answer

base64Encoder.faq.q8.answer

Base64 Encoder/Decoder

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