Base64 Encoder / Decoder
Encode text to Base64 or decode Base64 strings instantly with a secure browser-based encoder and decoder.
Use this free online Base64 encoder and decoder to convert text to Base64 or decode Base64 strings instantly. Base64 encoding is commonly used to transmit binary data safely over text-based protocols. All processing happens locally in your browser, so your data is never uploaded or stored.Developers frequently use Base64 encoding when working with authentication headers, API tokens, or embedding binary data in JSON and HTML.
About this tool
What is Base64 Encoding?
Base64 encoding converts binary data into text format using a limited set of ASCII characters. It allows binary data such as images or files to be transmitted safely over systems designed to handle text. If the decoded output contains JSON data, you can format it using our JSON Formatter to make the structure easier to read.
- Commonly used in HTTP authentication headers
- Used in email attachments and MIME encoding
- Often appears in data URIs and API tokens
Fast Base64 Encoding and Decoding
Encode plain text to Base64 or decode Base64 strings back to readable text in a single click.
- Handles UTF-8 text safely (emojis, international characters)
- Great for debugging basic auth headers
- No data leaves your device
- Instant encoding and decoding results
Practical Uses for Base64
Base64 appears everywhere in web development. Use this tool to inspect or generate encoded values for various protocols.
- Decode 'Basic' authentication headers
- Encode JSON payloads for URLs
- Inspect data URIs
How to Use Base64 Encoder / Decoder
Choose Encode or Decode Mode
Toggle between 'Encode' (Text → Base64) and 'Decode' (Base64 → Text) using the switch at the top.
Paste Text or Base64 String
Type or paste your content into the input area. The tool processes it instantly.
Copy the Encoded or Decoded Result
Click 'Copy' to grab the result. If decoding fails, check for invalid characters or whitespace.
Common questions
What is Base64 encoding used for?
Base64 encoding is used to safely transmit binary data over text-based protocols such as HTTP, email, and JSON APIs. It is commonly used in authentication headers, data URIs, and API payloads. Authentication tokens such as JWT also rely on Base64 encoding, which you can inspect using our JWT Decoder.
Is Base64 encryption?
No. Base64 is not encryption. It is an encoding scheme that converts binary data into text format. Anyone can decode Base64 without a secret key.
What is the difference between Base64 and Base64URL?
Standard Base64 uses '+' and '/' characters, which are not URL-safe. Base64URL replaces these characters with '-' and '_' so encoded data can safely appear in URLs.
Why does decoding return garbage text?
This usually happens if you try to decode binary data (like an image) as text. Base64 can represent files, but this tool currently optimizes for text output.
What is the '=' at the end?
The equals sign is padding. Base64 strings must have a length divisible by 4, so '=' is added to fill the gap.
Is this URL safe?
Standard Base64 uses '+' and '/', which aren't URL-safe. For URLs, you typically replace them with '-' and '_' (Base64Url).
Does this handle emojis?
Yes. We properly handle UTF-8 encoding, so emojis and non-Latin characters are encoded/decoded correctly.
Can I convert images to Base64?
For images or large binary files, a dedicated image-to-Base64 converter is recommended, as very large inputs may slow down the browser.
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