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Message Encoding

Encoding Basics

E-mail messages may contain binary information, such as file attachments. Most of the existing Internet e-mail infrastructure, however, was not designed to handle this type of data.

In order to sneak this type of data, across the Internet, it must be converted to a format which is compatible with the computers on the Internet. This conversion process is called encoding.

One problem with binary data, is that it is often represented by 8 bit characters. Some of the computers on the Internet can not properly transfer data represented by 8 bit characters. Therefore, the process of encoding, must address converting all 8 bit characters into smaller characters which are compatible with the computers on the Internet. Once the data is sent across the Internet, it can be converted back to 8 bit characters on the receiving end.

There are several types of data encoding used today. The most popular are Base 64, UUencode and Quoted Printable.

When to Encode

Message Body

When sending a text message with no attachments it is recommended not to use any type of encoding. This allows your message to be compatible with the largest amount of e-mail clients. But if you wish to ensure that the formatting of your data is not disturbed or if your message contains characters that may be converted by or unacceptable to some mail servers you should encode the text message using either Base 64 or Quoted Printable. 

File Attachments

When sending a message with file attachments it is necessary to use some type of encoding. You must make a choice depending on the intended recipient's client software. You have two options:

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Last modified: July 06, 2001

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