String Encoder/Decoder
Overview
The String Encoder/Decoder provides bidirectional conversion between plain text and four common encoding formats: Base64, URL encoding, Hexadecimal, and Binary. Encode strings for safe transmission in URLs, decode mysterious encoded strings during debugging, or learn how different encoding schemes represent text. Each format includes both encode and decode operations with clear error handling.
Tips
- Use Base64 for embedding binary data in JSON or creating data URIs for images in HTML/CSS
- Apply URL encoding when building query parameters with special characters like spaces, ampersands, or equals signs
- Choose Hex encoding for debugging binary data, working with color codes, or viewing cryptographic hashes
- Remember that Base64 increases data size by approximately 33%, while Hex doubles it
- URL encoding only changes special characters, leaving alphanumeric characters untouched
- Binary encoding is highly verbose (8 bits per character) but excellent for understanding how characters are stored
- When decoding, ensure your input matches the selected format or you’ll get errors - verify the encoding type first