How is Ascii85 different from Base64?

Ascii85 encodes four bytes into five characters, giving about 25 percent overhead versus Base64's 33 percent, so it is more compact.

Where is Ascii85 used?

It is used inside PDF and PostScript files and in some version control and email systems.

No. The conversion runs entirely in your browser.

Security & Cryptography

Ascii85 Encoder & Decoder

Encode text to Ascii85 (Base85) and decode it back.

Free foreverRuns in your browserNo sign-up

Text

Ascii85

100% private - runs entirely in your browser.

Your input, keys and passwords are never uploaded. Want proof? Load this page, then turn off your internet - the tool still works. For an exact check, open your browser's DevTools Network tab and confirm no data is sent when you use it.

About the Ascii85 Encoder & Decoder

Encode text to Ascii85 (also called Base85) or decode it back, a compact encoding used in PDF and PostScript files.

Ascii85 packs four bytes into five printable characters, so it is more compact than Base64.

Everything runs in your browser, so your data stays private.

Key features

Text to Ascii85 and back
More compact than Base64
Open a file or paste your data
Copy the result instantly

How to use

1Choose encode or decode.
2Paste your text or Ascii85.
3Copy the converted result.

Examples

Encode

Input: Hello, world!

Output: 87cURD_*#TDfTZ)+T

Four bytes become five Ascii85 characters.

Decode

Input: 87cURD_*#TDfTZ)+T

Output: Hello, world!

Ascii85 is decoded back into the original text.

Frequently asked questions

How is Ascii85 different from Base64?: Ascii85 encodes four bytes into five characters, giving about 25 percent overhead versus Base64's 33 percent, so it is more compact.
Where is Ascii85 used?: It is used inside PDF and PostScript files and in some version control and email systems.
Is my data uploaded?: No. The conversion runs entirely in your browser.