What is Base64?
Base64 represents binary data as text so it can be included in email, JSON, or small data URLs. It is an encoding format, not encryption.
When to use it
- Quick debugging when an API returns or expects Base64 strings.
- Converting browser text into a safe transport format for logs or payloads.
- Checking whether a pasted Base64 blob decodes into the content you expect.
What to keep in mind
- Base64 increases size by roughly one third.
- It does not encrypt or hide the original value.
- Invalid padding or incomplete copied text can cause decoding errors.