What Is Base64 Encoding?

Understand how Base64 encoding works, why it is useful and why Base64 should never be mistaken for encryption.

Base64 changes how data is represented

Base64 converts binary data into a limited set of text characters. This can make information easier to transport through systems designed primarily for text.

It is not secret

Base64 is reversible without a key. If someone can access the encoded value, they can normally decode it. For that reason, Base64 must never be treated as a method of protecting passwords or confidential information.

Why is Base64 useful?

Some data formats and protocols work more conveniently with printable text than arbitrary binary bytes. Base64 provides a standard representation that can travel through those systems.

Encoding is different from encryption

Encryption is intended to keep information confidential until an authorised party uses the correct key. Encoding is intended to change representation. The goals are completely different.

Try it yourself

The HashMyPass Base64 tool can encode ordinary text and decode valid Base64 locally in your browser.