Learn how Base64 encoding works and convert text to and from Base64 with the free Bagiqo encoder and decoder, plus Base64 to image and decoder tools.
Encode and Decode Base64: A Practical Online Guide
Base64 encoding represents binary data as readable ASCII text. It appears throughout the web and software development, from email attachments to embedded images and API payloads. This guide explains how it works and how to encode and decode it with the free Bagiqo Base64 tools.
What is Base64 encoding?
Base64 maps binary data into 64 character symbols (A-Z, a-z, 0-9, plus, and slash). The equals sign (=) pads the output to multiples of four. As an example, the text Hello encodes to SGVsbG8=.
Where is Base64 used?
- Email: SMTP is text-only, so attachments are Base64-encoded
- Web APIs: JSON payloads carry images or files as Base64 strings
- Data URIs: small images embedded directly in HTML or CSS
- Authentication: basic HTTP Authorization headers use Base64
- Session data: some cookies and tokens are Base64-encoded
Encode text to Base64 online
- Open the Base64 encoder
- Type your text in the encoding field
- Click Encode to get the Base64 version
- Copy the result into your project
Decode Base64 back to text online
- Paste the Base64 string into the decoding field
- Click Decode to recover the original text
- Use the decoded result
You can also use the Bagiqo Base64 decoder for decoding and the Base64 to Image converter to rebuild an image from a string.
Is Base64 encryption?
No. Base64 is an encoding that anyone can reverse. It should never be used to protect sensitive data, use a real encryption algorithm instead when confidentiality is required.
Conclusion
Base64 is a fundamental tool in web development. Encode and decode your data easily with the free Bagiqo Base64 converter.
Encode and decode Base64 free with Bagiqo, directly in your browser.