Base64 Encode & Decode Online
Encode text to Base64 or decode Base64 back to text instantly. Your data stays in your browser — nothing is uploaded, nothing is stored.
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== Base64 Encoding FAQ
What is Base64 encoding?
Base64 is a binary-to-text encoding scheme that represents binary data in an ASCII string format. It is commonly used to transmit data over media designed to handle textual data, such as email or HTTP. Each Base64 digit represents exactly 6 bits of data.
Is Base64 encryption?
No, Base64 is not encryption. It is an encoding scheme that transforms binary data into text format. Anyone can decode Base64 instantly. Never use Base64 to protect sensitive data — use proper encryption algorithms like AES instead.
How do I encode text to Base64?
Type or paste your text into the input field and click the Encode button. The tool will instantly convert your text to a Base64 encoded string. You can then copy the result.
Why does Base64 end with = ?
The = character at the end of a Base64 string is padding. Base64 processes data in 3-byte groups, and when the input length is not a multiple of 3, one or two = characters are added to make the output length a multiple of 4.
Can I encode files with this tool?
Yes, this tool supports file encoding. You can select a file from your device and the tool will read it and convert its contents to Base64. The entire process happens client-side in your browser.
Is Base64 safe for sensitive data?
No. Base64 is encoding, not encryption. It can be decoded by anyone without a key. Never use Base64 for sensitive data — it offers no security whatsoever. Use encryption algorithms such as AES for real data protection.
Is my data safe when using this tool?
Yes. All encoding and decoding happens entirely in your browser. Your data never leaves your device — no uploads, no server requests, no logs.
Related Tools
JSON Formatter
Base64 is commonly used to encode binary data within JSON payloads and API responses.
URL Encoder
Base64 strings often need URL encoding for safe transmission in query parameters.
HTML Entities
Escape and unescape HTML special characters alongside Base64 processing.
JWT Decoder
JWT tokens use Base64url encoding — decode and inspect their contents.
Hash Generator
Generate MD5, SHA-1, and SHA-256 hashes — often used alongside Base64 for security.