Base64 to TSV Converter - Convert Base64 to Tab-Separated Values

Our Base64 to TSV Converter is a powerful online tool that allows you to decode Base64 encoded data and convert it to TSV (Tab-Separated Values) format. TSV is a simple text format for storing tabular data where columns are separated by tabs and rows are separated by newlines. This tool is essential for developers working with data conversion, spreadsheet applications, and data analysis tasks.

What is Base64?

Base64 is a binary-to-text encoding scheme that represents binary data in an ASCII string format. It uses a set of 64 characters (A-Z, a-z, 0-9, +, /) to encode data, making it safe for transmission over text-based protocols. Base64 encoding is commonly used when binary data needs to be stored or transmitted over media designed for textual data.

What is TSV?

TSV (Tab-Separated Values) is a simple text format for storing tabular data. It uses:

Tabs (\t) to separate columns
Newlines (\n) to separate rows
No quotes around values (unlike CSV which may use quotes)

TSV format is widely supported by spreadsheet applications like Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, and data analysis tools. It's particularly useful when your data doesn't contain tabs, making it simpler than CSV in many cases.

Key Features

Base64 Decoding: Decodes Base64 encoded strings to their original content
Automatic Format Detection: Automatically detects if decoded content is JSON, CSV, or plain text
JSON to TSV: Converts JSON objects and arrays to TSV format with headers
CSV to TSV: Converts comma-separated values to tab-separated values
Real-time Conversion: Converts data automatically as you type or paste
Error Handling: Clear error messages for invalid Base64 or conversion issues
Sample Data: Includes example Base64 data to help you get started
Download Support: Download the TSV output as a .tsv file

How to Use the Base64 to TSV Converter

Enter Base64 Data: Paste your Base64 encoded string into the input field, or click "Sample" to load example data
Automatic Conversion: The tool automatically decodes the Base64 and converts it to TSV format
Review Output: Check the TSV output in the right panel
Copy or Download: Use the copy button to copy the TSV data, or download it as a .tsv file

Conversion Examples

Example 1: Base64 Encoded TSV

If your Base64 contains already-formatted TSV data:

Base64: TmFtZQlBZ2UJQ2l0eQpKb2huIERvZQkzMAlOZXcgWW9yawpKYW5lIFNtaXRoCTI1CUxvbmRvbg==
Decoded TSV:
Name    Age    City
John Doe    30    New York
Jane Smith    25    London

Example 2: Base64 Encoded JSON

If your Base64 contains JSON data, it will be converted to TSV:

Base64: W3sibmFtZSI6IkpvaG4gRG9lIiwiYWdlIjozMCwiY2l0eSI6Ik5ldyBZb3JrIn1d
Decoded JSON: [{"name":"John Doe","age":30,"city":"New York"}]
Converted TSV:
name    age    city
John Doe    30    New York

Example 3: Base64 Encoded CSV

If your Base64 contains CSV data, commas will be replaced with tabs:

Base64: TmFtZSxBZ2UsQ2l0eQpKb2huIERvZSwzMCxOZXcgWW9yawpKYW5lIFNtaXRoLDI1LExvbmRvbg==
Decoded CSV: Name,Age,City
John Doe,30,New York
Jane Smith,25,London
Converted TSV:
Name    Age    City
John Doe    30    New York
Jane Smith    25    London

Use Cases

Data Import/Export

Convert Base64-encoded data to TSV format for importing into spreadsheet applications like Excel, Google Sheets, or database systems that support TSV import.

API Data Processing

Decode Base64-encoded API responses and convert them to TSV format for data analysis, reporting, or further processing in spreadsheet tools.

Data Migration

Convert Base64-encoded data from one system to TSV format for migration to another system that requires tab-separated values.

Data Analysis

Decode and convert Base64 data to TSV for analysis in data science tools, statistical software, or business intelligence platforms.

Configuration Management

Decode Base64-encoded configuration data and convert it to TSV format for easier viewing and editing in spreadsheet applications.

TSV Format Guidelines

Column Separation: Use tab characters (\t) to separate columns
Row Separation: Use newline characters (\n) to separate rows
No Quotes: TSV typically doesn't use quotes around values
Header Row: First row usually contains column names
Special Characters: If your data contains tabs, consider using a different format or escaping them

Best Practices

Validate Base64: Ensure your input is valid Base64 encoded data
Check Output: Review the TSV output to ensure it matches your expectations
Handle Large Data: For very large datasets, consider processing in chunks
Preserve Data Types: Be aware that TSV stores everything as text; numeric types may need conversion
Test with Sample: Use the sample data feature to understand the conversion process

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if my Base64 data contains binary content? If the Base64 data decodes to binary content (like images or binary files), the tool will attempt to convert it to TSV, but the output may contain non-printable characters. For binary data, consider using specialized tools for that data type.

Can I convert TSV back to Base64? Yes, you can use a Base64 encoder tool to convert TSV data back to Base64. Simply paste your TSV data into a Base64 encoder to get the encoded string.

What's the difference between TSV and CSV? TSV uses tabs to separate columns, while CSV uses commas. TSV is simpler when your data doesn't contain tabs, as it doesn't require quoting. CSV is more common but requires careful handling of commas within values.

Can I convert nested JSON to TSV? Yes, the tool handles nested JSON objects by converting them to JSON strings in the TSV cells. For complex nested structures, you may want to flatten the JSON first for better TSV representation.

Is there a file size limit? While there's no strict limit, very large Base64 strings may take longer to process or could cause browser performance issues. For files larger than 10MB, consider using desktop tools or processing in smaller chunks.

Technical Details

This Base64 to TSV Converter:

Validates Base64 input using standard Base64 character set
Decodes Base64 using browser's native atob() function
Automatically detects data format (TSV, JSON, CSV, or plain text)
Converts JSON arrays and objects to TSV with proper headers
Handles CSV to TSV conversion by replacing commas with tabs
Preserves existing TSV format if the decoded content is already TSV
Provides real-time conversion with immediate feedback

All conversion is performed entirely in your browser using JavaScript. Your data never leaves your device, ensuring complete privacy and security.