Base64 Encoder/Decoder FAQ
Frequently asked questions about Base64 Encoder/Decoder
Is Base64 encoding secure?
No, Base64 is NOT secure. Anyone can decode it instantly. Never use it to protect sensitive data. Use proper encryption (AES-256) or hashing (bcrypt for passwords).
Why does Base64 make data larger?
Base64 converts every 3 bytes to 4 characters: 33.33% size increase. This is the tradeoff for using only safe ASCII characters.
Can I encode images with Base64?
Yes, for data URIs. Useful for small images to eliminate HTTP requests. For large images, the 33% overhead makes linking to files more efficient.
What's the difference between Base64 and Base64URL?
Base64URL replaces + with - and / with _ for URL safety. Standard Base64's + and / have special meanings in URLs.