Base64 Encoder / Decoder
Encode and decode Base64 text instantly, convert files to Base64, create data URLs, and use URL-safe Base64 when needed.
How to use Base64 Encoder / Decoder
Use this Base64 Encoder / Decoder to quickly encode or decode text and other supported data in your browser. Base64 is a binary-to-text representation commonly used when binary data needs to be represented using printable characters. It is frequently encountered in web development, APIs, data URLs, email-related formats and other situations where binary data needs to be carried through text-based systems. To encode text, open the Encode mode and enter or paste your plain text into the input area. The tool converts the input into a Base64 string immediately. You can then copy the encoded value for use in your application, API request, test data or other development workflow. The tool also provides options that can be useful for different Base64 use cases, including URL-safe encoding and output wrapping. To decode Base64, switch to Decode mode and paste the Base64 string into the input field. The decoder converts the encoded value back into its original text when the data represents text that can be decoded successfully. This is useful when inspecting encoded values, debugging applications, checking API payloads or reversing a Base64 transformation during development. The tool also supports URL-safe Base64. Standard Base64 uses the plus (+) and slash (/) characters, which can require special handling in URLs and other contexts. URL-safe Base64 uses URL-friendly alternatives, making it more suitable when encoded data needs to appear inside URLs, query parameters or similar environments. Select the URL-safe option when your application expects that variant. For text or file workflows, use the appropriate input mode provided by the calculator. Binary data can be represented as Base64 text when required by an application or data format. Images are a common example because an image can be represented inside a data URL such as an image MIME type followed by Base64-encoded data. This can be useful for testing HTML, CSS and small embedded assets. The output wrapping option can split encoded output into lines of a selected length. This can be useful when working with systems or formats that expect wrapped Base64 output, while leaving wrapping disabled is usually more convenient for compact strings used in applications. Base64 encoding is not encryption. Encoding changes the representation of data but does not provide confidentiality or protection against someone reading the original information. Never use Base64 as a replacement for encryption when handling passwords, secrets, tokens or sensitive information that requires security. For developers, Base64 is commonly used when binary information needs to travel through text-oriented systems. Typical examples include data URLs, transferring binary values through APIs, representing file contents as text, handling email-related encodings and testing encoded values. The exact format required can depend on the application or protocol, so always confirm whether standard Base64, URL-safe Base64 or another representation is expected. All processing in this tool is performed in your browser. Avoid pasting sensitive credentials, private keys, passwords or other confidential information into any online tool unless you understand the privacy implications and are comfortable processing that information in the browser.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Base64 encoding?
Base64 encoding is a way of representing binary data as text using a limited set of printable characters. It is commonly used when binary information needs to be stored or transmitted through systems that primarily handle text.
Is Base64 encryption?
No. Base64 is an encoding method, not encryption. Anyone who has a Base64-encoded value can generally decode it back to the original data. Base64 should therefore not be used to protect passwords, secrets or confidential information.
How do I decode a Base64 string?
Switch the tool to Decode mode, paste the Base64 value into the input field, and run the decoder. If the value is valid Base64 representing text, the tool will convert it back into the corresponding text.
What is URL-safe Base64?
URL-safe Base64 is a variant designed for situations where Base64 data needs to be placed in URLs or similar contexts. It replaces characters that can have special meaning in URLs with URL-friendly alternatives.
What are common uses of Base64?
Common uses include representing binary data inside text-based systems, creating image data URLs, handling certain API payloads, working with email-related data, transferring file contents as text and testing or debugging encoded values during development.