# To Base45

Base45 is a notation for encoding arbitrary byte data using a restricted set of symbols that can be conveniently used by humans and processed by computers. The high number base results in shorter strings than with the decimal or hexadecimal system. Base45 is optimized for usage with QR codes. To Base45 lives in the **Data format** category of the `fx` menu. See [Base45](https://datatracker.ietf.org/doc/html/rfc9285) for format details.

## Parameters

| Parameter | Type   | Required | Default            | Description                                            |
| --------- | ------ | -------- | ------------------ | ------------------------------------------------------ |
| Input     | string | yes      | —                  | Value to transform. Previous step output or a literal. |
| Alphabet  | string | no       | `0-9A-Z $%*+\-./:` | Argument value for this operation.                     |

`Input` is the primary value (previous step output or a literal).

## Returned value

| Type     | Description                             |
| -------- | --------------------------------------- |
| `string` | Result of the To Base45 transformation. |

## Limitations

- This operation treats Input as raw bytes (binary-capable). Non-text payloads may display differently after decoding.
- Invalid or mismatched encoding for the chosen options typically raises an evaluation error — fix the Input or options before re-running.

## Example

<details>
<summary>Run To Base45</summary>

Base45 is a notation for encoding arbitrary byte data using a restricted set of symbols that can be conveniently used by humans and processed by computers. Adjust optional parameters when the defaults do not match your payload.

1. Set **Input** to the value to transform (previous step output or a literal).

2. Review **Alphabet** and keep defaults unless your format requires otherwise.

3. Confirm **Output value** shows the transformed result.

</details>