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Base64 Encoder & Decoder

Encode and decode Base64 data instantly

How to use the Base64 Encoder & Decoder

Paste text into a Base64 encoder to convert it into a Base64 string, or paste a Base64 string to decode it back to plain text. This is handy for embedding data, debugging tokens, and working with APIs. It runs free in your browser with no signup, and nothing is uploaded.

  1. Paste your input Add plain text to encode or a Base64 string to decode.
  2. Choose encode or decode Click encode to produce Base64, or decode to recover the original text.
  3. Copy the result Copy the output for use in your code, API request, or config file.

Frequently Asked Questions

Base64 is an encoding scheme that converts binary data into ASCII text format using 64 characters (A-Z, a-z, 0-9, +, /). It's commonly used to encode data for transmission over text-based protocols like email and HTTP.

Use Base64 when you need to transmit binary data over text-only channels, embed images in HTML/CSS, send binary data in JSON/XML, store credentials in configuration files, or work with data URIs.

No! Base64 is encoding, not encryption. Anyone can decode Base64 data. It provides no security or privacy. Never use Base64 to protect sensitive information - use proper encryption instead.

Base64 increases data size by approximately 33%. This is because it uses 4 characters to represent 3 bytes of data. The trade-off is that you can safely transmit binary data over text-based systems.

This tool encodes text to Base64. For files (images, PDFs, etc.), you'll need a file-specific Base64 encoder. Most programming languages and command-line tools can encode files to Base64.

This error means the Base64 string contains invalid characters, has incorrect padding, or is malformed. Base64 should only contain A-Z, a-z, 0-9, +, /, and = for padding. Check for typos or corruption.

Yes! All encoding and decoding happens in your browser using JavaScript. Your data never leaves your device and is not sent to any server. It's completely private and secure.

Common uses include: embedding images in HTML/CSS (data URLs), encoding credentials in HTTP Basic Authentication, sending binary attachments in email (MIME), storing binary data in JSON/XML, and encoding tokens in JWTs.

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