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Text to Binary Converter Convert text to binary (0s and 1s) representation.

Text to Binary illustration
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Text to Binary

Convert text to binary (0s and 1s) representation.

1

Enter Text

Type or paste the text you want to convert to binary.

2

Choose Separator

Select how binary bytes should be separated (space, newline, or none).

3

Copy Binary

Copy the binary output for your use.

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What Is Text to Binary?

A Text to Binary converter transforms each character in your text into its 8-bit binary representation. Developers and programmers use it to convert ASCII characters to their corresponding binary codes, solving the problem of representing text data in a format that computers can understand. For instance, when working with low-level programming or network protocols, being able to convert text to binary code is crucial for ensuring accurate data transmission.

It allows users to customize the output by selecting a separator, which can be a space, new line, or none at all. This feature is particularly useful when working with large texts that need to be converted to binary and then processed further. The tool's ability to handle different separators makes it a convenient option for tasks such as converting text to binary online or generating ASCII to binary codes.

The code behind the tool uses JavaScript's built-in charCodeAt method to get the Unicode value of each character, which is then converted to its binary representation using the toString(2) method. The resulting binary strings are padded with leading zeros to ensure they are always 8 bits long. This attention to detail makes it a reliable choice for tasks that require precise binary encoding, such as data encoding and transmission tasks where every bit counts.

Why Use Text to Binary?

  • Convert any character to 8-bit binary representation
  • Customizable separator between bytes
  • Educational tool for learning binary encoding
  • Supports all ASCII characters
  • Instant conversion with copy support

Common Use Cases

Education

Learn how computers represent text as binary numbers — essential for computer science students.

Data Encoding

Convert text to binary for custom encoding schemes or data transmission protocols.

Puzzles & Challenges

Create binary-encoded messages for puzzles, CTF challenges, or escape rooms.

Technical Documentation

Show binary representations in documentation about character encoding or data formats.

Technical Guide

Text to binary conversion takes each character's Unicode code point (via charCodeAt), converts it to base-2 using toString(2), and pads the result to 8 bits using padStart(8, "0"). Standard ASCII characters (0-127) are accurately represented in 8 bits. Extended characters (128-255) also fit in 8 bits. Characters above code point 255 may require more than 8 bits. The separator option controls how bytes are visually separated in the output — spaces make the output more readable, while no separator produces a continuous binary stream.

Tips & Best Practices

  • 1
    Each character becomes exactly 8 binary digits (bits)
  • 2
    "A" = 01000001, "a" = 01100001 — uppercase and lowercase differ by 1 bit
  • 3
    Space between bytes makes the output more readable
  • 4
    Use Binary to Text to reverse the conversion
  • 5
    Standard ASCII uses 7 bits; the 8th bit is always 0 for basic ASCII

Related Tools

Frequently Asked Questions

Q How many bits per character?
Each ASCII character is represented by 8 bits (1 byte). Extended Unicode characters may use more.
Q What's the binary for space?
The space character (ASCII 32) is 00100000 in binary.
Q Can I convert binary back to text?
Yes, use the Binary to Text tool to decode binary back to readable text.
Q Does it handle emoji?
Basic emoji are converted but may produce binary longer than 8 bits since emoji use higher Unicode code points.
Q What base is binary?
Binary is base-2, using only the digits 0 and 1. Each digit is called a "bit" (binary digit).

About This Tool

Text to Binary is a free online tool by FreeToolkit.ai. All processing happens directly in your browser — your data never leaves your device. No registration or installation required.