Session and utilities
The base64 command
Encodes data into safe text (only letters, numbers, + and /) and decodes it back. Useful to embed binaries in text.
Syntax
base64 [archivo] | base64 -d [archivo]Most useful options
-dDecodes instead of encoding-w NOutput line widthCopy-ready examples
$ echo hola | base64Encode$ printf 'aG9sYQo=\n' > b64.txt && base64 -d b64.txtDecodeYou can try them in the browser terminal: it does not touch your computer.
Typical mistakes
- base64 does not encrypt or protect: anyone can decode it. It is not security.
FAQ
Why is it so used on the internet?
Because it lets you send binary data inside text (email, JSON, HTML) without breaking it.
Learn to actually use it
The basic Linux course takes you from zero to console fluency with 24 self-grading lessons.
Start the free course