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Base64 Encoder & Decoder

Encode text into Base64 or decode a Base64 string. Unicode text is supported for common UTF-8 input.

Tool workspace

Privacy note: this tool runs in your browser. Do not use any online service for secrets unless its privacy and security practices meet your needs.

About this tool

About Base64 Encoder & Decoder

The Base64 Encoder and Decoder converts text to Base64 and Base64 back to readable text. Base64 represents data using a limited set of safe characters, which makes it easy to include in emails, URLs, JSON and configuration files.

Developers meet Base64 in data URLs, API tokens, email attachments and basic authentication headers. Remember that Base64 is an encoding, not encryption, so it does not protect secrets from anyone who can read the value.

Base64 turns binary or special-character data into plain text that can travel safely through systems that only handle text, such as email bodies, URLs and configuration files. This tool encodes and decodes it instantly in your browser.

Base64 is an encoding, not encryption. Anyone can decode it, so never treat it as a way to protect passwords or private information.

Step by step

How to Use Base64 Encoder & Decoder

  1. 1
    Enter your inputType or paste plain text to encode, or a Base64 string to decode.
  2. 2
    Choose encode or decodePress the matching button to convert in the direction you need.
  3. 3
    Check the outputRead the result. Invalid Base64 input will produce an error or unreadable text.
  4. 4
    Copy the resultCopy the output into your code, header or document.
Real-world use

Where Base64 Encoder & Decoder helps most

Embedding data in textPrepare small pieces of data for formats that only accept text.
Reading encoded valuesDecode a string from a log, header or config to see what it contains.
Data URIsWork with small inline images that are stored as Base64 text.
LearningSee how text turns into Base64 and back.
Get better results

Practical tips for Base64 Encoder & Decoder

  • Remember that encoding increases size by roughly one third.
  • Decode unknown strings carefully and do not run anything you cannot identify.
  • Use URL-safe Base64 when the result goes inside a link.
  • Check for stray line breaks or spaces if decoding fails.
  • Keep original data. Do not rely on the encoded text as the only copy.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Treating Base64 as security.
  • Pasting standard Base64 into a URL without handling the + and / characters.
  • Forgetting padding characters at the end of a string.
Benefits

Why Use Base64 Encoder & Decoder

Two-way conversionEncode and decode with the same simple tool.
Fast debuggingInspect tokens and encoded values without writing code.
Browser-basedConversion runs locally on your device.
Clear and simpleA focused interface with no unnecessary options.

Good to know. This tool runs in your browser, so the text you enter is processed on your own device. Even so, avoid pasting real passwords or secrets into any online tool. See the Privacy Policy for details.

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Questions & answers

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Base64 used for?
It is used to represent binary or text data with safe printable characters in emails, data URLs, JSON, headers and configuration files.
Is Base64 encryption?
No. Anyone can decode Base64, so never rely on it to hide passwords or other secrets.
Why does the output look longer than the input?
Base64 increases size by roughly one third because it represents data using a smaller set of characters.
Why does decoding fail?
The string may be incomplete, contain invalid characters or use a URL-safe variant that differs from standard Base64.
Can it encode special characters and emoji?
Text is encoded as UTF-8, so special characters are supported, but decoding must use the same character encoding.
Is my data uploaded?
No. Encoding and decoding run in your browser and the values are not sent to a server.