Binary Code Translator
Convert text and binary bytes with the encoding that matches your message.
01000001
1 character → 1 byte in UTF-8
Seeing dots and dashes instead? Use the Morse Code Translator.
How binary becomes text
A byte is 8 bits, and each bit is worth twice the one to its right — that is how binary represents each character. This binary translator works both ways: Text → Binary writes each character as bytes, and Binary → Text reads bytes back as characters.
Choose the right encoding
The same bytes can mean different text under different encodings. Pick the one your source used. For text from the web, that is almost always UTF-8.
Use ASCII for basic English text, UTF-8 for web text and emoji, or UTF-16 BE when the source specifies big-endian UTF-16. The Unicode Standard, Chapter 2 defines these encoding forms and their byte-order conventions.
| Encoding | Bytes per character | Covers | “é” becomes |
|---|---|---|---|
| ASCII | 1 | English letters, digits, basic symbols | Not available |
| UTF-8 | 1–4 | Every Unicode character, emoji included | 11000011 10101001 |
| UTF-16 BE | 2 or 4 | Every Unicode character, high byte first | 00000000 11101001 |
Why binary won’t translate
A bit is missing
Every byte needs exactly 8 bits. Seven or nine bits leave a broken byte at the end.
0100001Stray characters
Letters like O or l often sneak in for 0 and 1 when binary is copied from a picture or PDF.
O1OOOOO1Wrong encoding
Accented letters and emoji need UTF-8 or UTF-16. ASCII stops at the first one.
11000011 10101001 · ASCIIRelated translator
Binary code translator FAQ
What is “hello” in binary?
In ASCII or UTF-8: 01101000 01100101 01101100 01101100 01101111.
Do I need spaces between bytes?
No. The translator reads a continuous string in 8-bit groups. Spaces make long strings easier to check.
Is binary a kind of encryption?
No. Binary is how text is stored as bytes. Anyone with the same encoding can read it back.
Why do I get different binary on another site?
That site probably used a different encoding. Match the encoding and both results will agree.
Source: Unicode Standard, Chapter 2 · Updated