Binary to Text Converter
Decode binary code to readable text instantly
Binary Input
Automatically detects 7-bit or 8-bit format based on input length
Tip: You can enter binary with or without spaces. For example: "01001000 01100101" or "0100100001100101" both work.
Binary Reference Table
Examples
Input: 01001000 01100101 01101100 01101100 01101111
Output: Hello
Input: 1001000 1001001
Output: HI
Input: 0100100001101001
Output: Hi
What is Binary Code?
Binary code is a system of representing text, computer processor instructions, or any other data using a two-symbol system. The two-symbol system used is often "0" and "1" from the binary number system. The binary code assigns a pattern of binary digits (bits) to each character, instruction, etc.
In computing, binary is the fundamental language that computers use to store and process data. Every piece of information in a computer is ultimately stored as a sequence of 0s and 1s. Text characters are encoded using standards like ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange) or UTF-8 (Unicode Transformation Format).
Example:
The letter "A" is represented as:
• 8-bit binary: 01000001
• 7-bit binary: 1000001
• Decimal value: 65
Binary Format Types
8-bit Binary (UTF-8/Extended ASCII)
8-bit binary uses 8 digits (bits) to represent each character, allowing for 256 different characters (2⁸ = 256). This format supports extended ASCII characters and is compatible with UTF-8 encoding.
7-bit Binary (Standard ASCII)
7-bit binary uses 7 digits to represent each character, allowing for 128 different characters (2⁷ = 128). This is the original ASCII standard and includes all basic English letters, numbers, and common symbols.
Auto-Detection
Our tool automatically detects whether your binary input is in 8-bit or 7-bit format based on the total number of bits. If the length is divisible by 8, it uses 8-bit format; if divisible by 7, it uses 7-bit format.
How to Use the Binary to Text Converter
Select Binary Format
Choose between Auto-Detect, 8-bit (UTF-8), or 7-bit (ASCII). Auto-detect is recommended for most users.
Enter Binary Code
Type or paste your binary code into the input area. You can use spaces between bytes (e.g., "01001000 01101001") or enter it continuously (e.g., "0100100001101001").
View Converted Text
The text will be decoded instantly as you type. If there's an error (like invalid characters or incorrect length), you'll see a helpful error message.
Copy or Download
Use the Copy button to copy the decoded text to your clipboard, or download it as a .txt file for later use.
Common Use Cases
Learning & Education
Students learning about computer science, data encoding, and how computers process text can use this tool to understand binary representation.
Programming & Development
Developers can use this tool to decode binary data, debug encoding issues, or verify that binary representations of text are correct.
Data Recovery
When working with corrupted files or raw data dumps, converting binary sequences back to text can help recover readable information.
Puzzles & CTF Challenges
Binary encoding is commonly used in Capture The Flag competitions, escape rooms, and logic puzzles as a way to hide messages.
Understanding ASCII
ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange) is a character encoding standard that assigns a unique number to each character. The standard ASCII table includes 128 characters (0-127), which can be represented using 7 bits.
ASCII Character Ranges
Extended ASCII uses 8 bits and includes 256 characters (0-255), with characters 128-255 representing special symbols, accented letters, and other international characters.
Tips & Best Practices
Spaces Are Optional
You can enter binary with or without spaces. Both "01001000 01101001" and "0100100001101001" will work correctly.
Check the Format
If auto-detection gives unexpected results, try manually selecting 8-bit or 7-bit format to match your source data.
Verify Your Input
Make sure your binary contains only 0s and 1s. Any other characters will trigger an error.
Use the Reference Table
Click "Show Table" to see common characters and their binary representations. This is helpful for learning and verification.
Complete Bytes Only
Your binary input length must be divisible by the bits per character (7 or 8). Incomplete bytes will show an error message.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between 7-bit and 8-bit binary?
7-bit binary uses 7 digits per character and supports 128 characters (standard ASCII), while 8-bit binary uses 8 digits per character and supports 256 characters (extended ASCII/UTF-8). 8-bit is more common in modern systems.
Can I convert binary with spaces?
Yes! Our tool automatically removes all whitespace from your input, so you can enter binary with spaces for readability (e.g., "01001000 01101001") or without spaces (e.g., "0100100001101001").
Why am I getting an error about binary length?
This error occurs when your binary string length isn't divisible by the bits per character (7 or 8). Make sure you have complete bytes. For example, in 8-bit mode, you need a multiple of 8 bits (like 8, 16, 24, etc.).
Is my binary data stored on your servers?
No! All conversion happens entirely in your browser using JavaScript. Your binary data never leaves your computer, ensuring complete privacy and security.
Can I convert text back to binary?
Yes! After converting binary to text, you can click the "Swap" button to convert the resulting text back to binary. This is useful for verification or creating your own binary messages.
Does this tool support Unicode characters?
The tool supports basic UTF-8 encoding when using 8-bit mode. However, many Unicode characters require multi-byte sequences. For standard ASCII characters (A-Z, 0-9, common symbols), both 7-bit and 8-bit modes work perfectly.