Base64 turns binary or text bytes into an ASCII string using A–Z, a–z, 0–9, +, /, and = padding. It is common in APIs, data URIs, and email attachments.
Yes. Text is encoded as UTF-8 bytes before Base64. Unicode and emoji round-trip correctly when you decode with the matching Base64 Decode or Base64 to Text tools.
No. Encoding runs entirely in your browser. Your input never leaves the device.
Padding keeps the encoded length a multiple of four characters. One = means two input bytes were left over; two = signs mean one leftover byte. Some APIs accept unpadded Base64, but standard RFC 4648 includes padding.
No. Base64 is encoding — anyone can decode it. Use proper encryption or signing when you need secrecy or integrity. Base64 only makes binary data safe to paste into text.