Base64 Encoder & Decoder
Encode text to Base64, or decode Base64 back to plain text. Handles Unicode correctly.
What Base64 is for
Base64 turns arbitrary bytes into plain ASCII text using 64 characters (A–Z, a–z, 0–9, + and /). It's commonly used to embed images in CSS or HTML, attach binary data to JSON or email, and pass data through systems that only accept text safely. It is an encoding, not encryption — anyone can decode it.
About the Base64 Encoder & Decoder
Base64 is a way of representing binary data or text using only 64 safe characters (letters, digits, plus and slash). This tool encodes plain text into Base64 and decodes Base64 back into readable text. It is commonly used for embedding small files in web pages, for HTTP basic authentication headers, and for storing data in places that only accept text.
Base64 is an encoding, not encryption. Anyone can decode it, so never treat it as a way to protect a password or secret. Encoded data is about one third larger than the original. The tool handles Unicode text correctly by encoding it as UTF-8 first, so accented letters and non-Latin scripts survive a round trip.
How to use it
- Select Encode or Decode.
- Paste your text or Base64 string into the input box.
- Read the result in the output box.
- Use the copy button to take it to your code or document.
Tips and good to know
- If decoding fails, check for missing padding equals signs or stray spaces and line breaks.
- URL-safe Base64 replaces plus and slash with minus and underscore; convert them back if you receive that variant.
- For images, use the Image to Base64 tool, which produces a data URI.
Frequently asked questions
Is Base64 secure?
No. It only changes the representation. Use real encryption to protect secrets.
Why is the output longer than the input?
Every three bytes become four characters, so expect roughly 33 percent growth.
Is my text uploaded?
No, encoding and decoding happen in your browser.