Base64 Explained
Learn what Base64 encoding is and what it is not.
Encoding, not encryption
Base64 converts binary data into a text representation using a defined alphabet. It provides no confidentiality and should never be treated as a password or encryption mechanism.
Where it is useful
Base64 commonly appears in data URLs, MIME content, API payloads, and places where binary data must travel through text-oriented systems.
Unicode matters
Text should be converted to bytes using an explicit character encoding such as UTF-8 before Base64 encoding. Otherwise non-ASCII characters can produce surprising results.