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URL Encode Base64 Strings for URL Parameters

Quick Answer: Standard Base64 contains + / and = characters that are not URL-safe. Either URL-encode the Base64 string (+ becomes %2B, / becomes %2F, = becomes %3D) or use Base64url encoding which replaces these characters at the encoding level.

FAQ

Should I URL-encode Base64 or use Base64url?

Use Base64url (replaces + with -, / with _, removes =) when you control both encoding and decoding. URL-encode standard Base64 when you must use existing Base64 values.

Why does Base64 break URLs?

The + character means "space" in URL query strings. / is a path separator. = is the parameter delimiter. All three must be encoded or replaced for URL safety.

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