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Base64 Encoder / Decoder

Encode or decode text and files to and from Base64 format instantly.

Input

Output

What Is Base64 Encoding?

Base64 is a binary-to-text encoding scheme that represents binary data in an ASCII string format. It is widely used for transmitting data over media that are designed to handle textual data. A Base64 encoder converts data into this format, while a Base64 decoder converts it back. Our free Base64 encoder online runs entirely in your browser for instant, private conversions.

Encode vs Decode

Encode

Converts text or binary data into a Base64 string. Useful for embedding data in HTML, CSS, or JSON, or for transmitting binary data through text-based protocols like HTTP.

Decode

Converts a Base64 string back to its original text or binary form. Useful for reading API payloads, decoding JWT tokens, or extracting embedded data from web pages.

Why Developers Use Base64

API Authentication — Basic Auth headers use Base64 encoded credentials.
Embedding Images — Convert images to Base64 data URIs for inline display in HTML or CSS.
JSON Payloads — Encode binary data as Base64 strings within JSON API payloads.
JWT Tokens — JSON Web Tokens use Base64url encoding for their header, payload, and signature.
Email Attachments — MIME encoding uses Base64 to transmit file attachments via email.

Common Use Cases

Base64 encoding is essential in modern web development. API developers use it daily for encoding request payloads, debugging authentication headers, and processing data from third-party services. Frontend developers use it to embed small images directly into CSS or HTML to reduce HTTP requests. Security professionals decode Base64 strings to inspect JWT tokens and API credentials during penetration testing.

How to Use This Base64 Tool

To encode text to Base64, type or paste your text into the input field and click Encode to Base64. To decode Base64 back to text, paste the encoded string and click Decode from Base64. The tool handles UTF-8 characters correctly, so emoji, non-Latin scripts, and special characters are all supported. Use the Copy button to copy the result to your clipboard.

Base64 Encoding Examples

Text → Base64

"Hello World" → SGVsbG8gV29ybGQ=

JSON → Base64

{"key": "value"} → eyJrZXkiOiAidmFsdWUifQ==

How to Do This in Code

const encoded = btoa('hello world');
const decoded = atob(encoded);

import base64
encoded = base64.b64encode(b'hello').decode()
decoded = base64.b64decode(encoded)

import "encoding/base64"

encoded := base64.StdEncoding.EncodeToString([]byte("hello"))
decoded, _ := base64.StdEncoding.DecodeString(encoded)

echo -n 'hello' | base64
echo 'aGVsbG8=' | base64 -d

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Base64 Encoder / Decoder FAQ

What is Base64?

Base64 is an encoding scheme that converts binary data to a text format using 64 printable ASCII characters. It's commonly used for transmitting data over text-based protocols like HTTP.

Is Base64 encryption?

No. Base64 is encoding, not encryption. Anyone can decode Base64. Never use it to protect sensitive data.