Base64 Encode / Decode
Instantly encode text to Base64 or decode Base64 strings. Runs in your browser.
About the Base64 Encoder & Decoder
This Base64 encoder and decoder converts in both directions from one page, so there is no mode to switch. Unicode is handled through UTF-8, which means accented characters and emoji survive the round trip intact instead of coming back as question marks or corrupted bytes.
A Base64 encoder represents arbitrary bytes using 64 safe ASCII characters. It exists because many systems only reliably carry plain text — email attachments, HTTP basic auth headers, JSON string fields, data URIs and JWT payloads all use it to move data that is not text.
It is not encryption. Anyone can decode Base64 instantly, which is exactly why this page can. Encoding a password or token only obscures it from a casual glance; it provides no protection whatsoever.
Unicode is where simple implementations break, because Base64 works on bytes and JavaScript strings are UTF-16. Text is encoded through UTF-8 here, so "café" and emoji round-trip correctly rather than being corrupted. Note that Base64 makes data about 33% larger — that is the cost of the safety.
How to use the Base64 Encoder & Decoder
- Pick a direction. Choose encode to Base64, or decode from it.
- Paste your input. Enter plain text to encode, or a Base64 string to decode.
- Read the output. The converted result appears as you type.
- Copy it. Copy the encoded or decoded text.
Base64 Encoder & Decoder features
- Instant Base64 encoding and decoding
- Unicode and UTF-8 character support
- Error detection and validation
- Large text input capability
- Copy to clipboard functionality
- Swap encode/decode modes instantly
- Privacy-focused (client-side processing)
- Professional developer interface
- Real-time conversion feedback
- Support for international characters
Frequently asked questions
How does Base64 encoding work?
Base64 converts binary data into ASCII text using 64 characters (A-Z, a-z, 0-9, +, /). Our tool handles Unicode characters properly using UTF-8 encoding before Base64 conversion, ensuring accurate encoding of international text and special characters.
When should I use Base64 encoding?
Base64 is essential for embedding binary data in text formats like JSON, XML, or HTML. Common uses include encoding images for data URLs, transmitting binary data in APIs, storing binary data in databases, and embedding files in email attachments.
Is Base64 encryption or encoding?
Base64 is encoding, not encryption. It's easily reversible and should not be used for security. Use it for data transmission compatibility, not for protecting sensitive information. For security, use proper encryption algorithms like AES.
Can this tool handle Unicode and special characters?
Yes! Our Base64 tool properly handles Unicode characters, emojis, and special characters using UTF-8 encoding. This ensures accurate encoding of international text, programming code, and complex character sets.
What's the difference between Base64 and URL encoding?
Base64 uses '+' and '/' characters which can cause issues in URLs. For URL-safe encoding, Base64URL replaces '+' with '-' and '/' with '_' and removes padding. Our standard Base64 is perfect for data transmission, while URL encoding is better for web addresses.
Is there a size limit for Base64 encoding?
Our tool can handle large text inputs efficiently. Base64 encoding increases file size by approximately 33%, so keep this in mind when encoding large amounts of data. The tool works entirely in your browser for privacy and performance.