Base64 Encode Decode

What is Base64?

In simple terms, Base64 is an encoding scheme that can render text data unreadable. It is a method for encoding binary data, such as images, audio, or other types of files, into ASCII characters. It's commonly used in various applications, including email attachments, data transmission over the internet, and storing binary data in text-based formats like XML or JSON.

Base64 encoding is not encryption; it's simply a method for representing binary data using ASCII characters. It's often used to ensure that binary data remains intact when transmitted across systems that may not support binary data directly.

Working of Base64 Encoding

Let's assume we want to convert the Hello string into Base64

When we convert the string into binary, we get:

01001000 01100101 01101100 01101100 01101111

Now because Base64 digit represents 6 bits of data, let's group the above binary data into groups of 6 bits each:

010010 000110 010101 101100 011011 000110 110011 011011 011011 011011 000110 1111

Convert each of these 6 bits group into its corresponding Base64 character using the Base64 encoding table. The table is given in the next section.

• 010010 = S
• 000110 = G
• 010101 = V
• 101100 = u
• 011011 = 3
• 000110 = G
• 110011 = z
• 011011 = 3
• 011011 = 3
• 011011 = 3
• 000110 = G
• 1111 = /

In Base64 empty octets are padded with = mark. The last group has only 4 bits, so it will be padded with == to complete the 6 bits and fill the empty places.

In the end, we get that Hello is equal to SGVsbG8= in Base64 encoding

Base64 as Encryption Method

Base64 encoding is not a very strong security measure because decoding it is very easy. As it is with encoding, TechWelkin Base64 Decoder can easily decode Base64 and break encryption. Therefore, this method should not be used if stakes are high. It can be used just to obfuscate ordinary text.

Base64 Table