Base64 vs URL Encoding: When to Use Each

Base64 and URL encoding both transform data for safe transmission—but they solve different problems. Here's when to use each.

What is URL Encoding?

URL encoding (percent encoding) converts special characters to %XX format so they're safe in URLs and query strings.

Example: A space becomes %20, & becomes %26.

Use it for:

• Query parameters in URLs
• Form data in application/x-www-form-urlencoded
• APIs that expect URL-safe strings

Try our URL encoder/decoder for quick encoding.

What is Base64 Encoding?

Base64 converts binary data into ASCII text using 64 characters (A–Z, a–z, 0–9, +, /).

Example: Hello becomes SGVsbG8=

Use it for:

• Embedding images in HTML/CSS (data URLs)
• Storing binary data in JSON or XML
• Basic obfuscation (NOT encryption—Base64 is easily decoded)
• Email attachments (MIME)

Try our Base64 encoder/decoder for encoding and decoding.

Key Differences

Aspect	URL Encoding	Base64
Purpose	Make URLs/params safe	Represent binary as text
Output size	Similar to input	~33% larger
Reversibility	Yes	Yes
Common use	URLs, forms	Data URLs, APIs, storage

When to Use Each

Use URL encoding when you're building URLs, passing query params, or encoding form data.

Use Base64 when you need to embed binary (images, files) in text-based formats like JSON or include small assets inline.

Both are reversible—decoding gives you the original data. Neither provides security; use proper encryption for sensitive data.