Base64 Encoder / Decoder
Encode text or files to Base64, or decode Base64 strings back to their original content.
Drop a file here or click to upload
About Base64 Encoder/Decoder
Base64 encoding converts binary data into a text-safe format using 64 printable ASCII characters. This tool lets you encode any text string or file to Base64 and decode Base64 strings back to their original content — all in your browser without any server communication.
Base64 is widely used in web development: embedding images in CSS and HTML, encoding JWT payloads, handling binary data in JSON APIs, and transmitting credentials in HTTP Basic Auth headers. Understanding and manipulating Base64 is a daily task for many developers.
This encoder supports both standard Base64 and URL-safe Base64 variants, handles Unicode text correctly, and can process file uploads for encoding binary files.
Features
- ✓Encode text or files to Base64
- ✓Decode Base64 strings back to text or binary
- ✓Supports standard and URL-safe Base64 variants
- ✓Handles Unicode and multibyte characters
- ✓File upload support for binary encoding
- ✓Instant results with one-click copy
Common Use Cases
- →Embedding images directly in HTML or CSS using data URIs
- →Decoding JWT token payloads for inspection
- →Encoding binary file data for JSON API transmission
- →Reading HTTP Basic Auth header credentials
- →Encoding email attachments or MIME parts
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Base64 a form of encryption?
No. Base64 is encoding, not encryption. Anyone can decode a Base64 string without a key. Don't use it to secure sensitive data.
Why does Base64 output end with = signs?
The = characters are padding added to make the output length a multiple of 4 characters, as required by the Base64 specification.
What's the difference between standard and URL-safe Base64?
URL-safe Base64 replaces + with - and / with _ so the output can be safely used in URLs without percent-encoding.