Base64 Encoder / Decoder
The Base64 Encoder / Decoder converts text to and from Base64 directly in your browser. It supports standard and URL-safe alphabets and handles full Unicode via UTF-8. Encoding and decoding are instant, private, and require no upload or account.
Base64 encodes binary or text data using 64 printable characters so it can travel safely through systems that only accept plain text — email bodies, JSON fields, data URIs and HTTP headers. It is an encoding, not encryption: anyone can decode it, so it protects transport, not secrecy.
How to use the Base64 Encoder / Decoder
- Paste your text into the input and choose Encode or Decode.
- Switch to the URL-safe alphabet if the result will go in a URL or filename.
- Copy the output — full Unicode is handled via UTF-8 automatically.
Common use cases
- Embed a small image or font inline as a data: URI.
- Encode a JSON Web Token payload or an API credential for transport.
- Decode a Base64 blob you received to inspect its contents.
Tips
- URL-safe Base64 replaces + and / with - and _ and drops padding, so pick it for query strings.
- Base64 inflates size by about 33% — don't use it for large payloads where raw bytes will do.
Frequently asked questions
Is Base64 encryption? +
No. Base64 is an encoding, not encryption — anyone can decode it instantly. It makes binary data safe to transport as text; it does not keep it secret.
Is my text uploaded? +
No. Encoding and decoding happen entirely in your browser, so you can safely process private or sensitive data.
What is URL-safe Base64? +
URL-safe Base64 replaces the + and / characters with - and _ and omits padding, so the result is safe to use in URLs, query strings and filenames.