# To Base85

Base85 (also called Ascii85) is a notation for encoding arbitrary byte data. It is usually more efficient that Base64. For example, `hello world` becomes `BOu!rD]j7BEbo7`. To Base85 lives in the **Data format** category of the `fx` menu.

## Parameters

| Parameter         | Type    | Required | Default  | Description                                                                 |
| ----------------- | ------- | -------- | -------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Input             | string  | yes      | —        | Value to transform. Previous step output or a literal.                      |
| Alphabet          | string  | no       | Standard | Preset or custom value. Presets include `Standard`, `Z85 (ZeroMQ)`, `IPv6`. |
| Include delimeter | boolean | no       | `false`  | Disabled by default.                                                        |

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

## Returned value

| Type     | Description                             |
| -------- | --------------------------------------- |
| `string` | Result of the To Base85 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 Base85</summary>

Base85 (also called Ascii85) is a notation for encoding arbitrary byte data. Adjust optional parameters when the defaults do not match your payload.

1. Set **Input** to the value to transform. Paste:

   ```text title="Input"
   hello world
   ```

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

3. Confirm **Output value** matches the expected result (for example `BOu!rD]j7BEbo7`).

</details>