Base64 Encoder & Decoder

Instantly encode text to Base64 or decode Base64 to text. Fast, free, and privacy-friendly for developers and data processing.

Convert between plain text and Base64 encoding

How This Tool Works

The Base64 Encoder & Decoder tool allows you to quickly convert plain text to Base64 encoding and decode Base64 strings back to readable text. Enter your text in the left box and click "Encode to Base64" to get the encoded result. To decode, paste a Base64 string in the right box and click "Decode from Base64". The tool supports UTF-8 characters and provides instant results in your browser.

All conversions are performed locally, ensuring your data is never sent to a server. The tool is ideal for developers, data analysts, and anyone working with encoded data in web, email, or API contexts.

Use the copy buttons for quick transfer of results, and clear all fields with a single click for fast, repeated conversions.

Key Features

  • Instant Encoding & Decoding: Convert text to and from Base64 instantly.
  • UTF-8 Support: Handles Unicode and special characters correctly.
  • Copy Functionality: Easily copy results to your clipboard.
  • Clear All: Reset both fields with one click for fast workflow.
  • Mobile Friendly: Fully responsive for use on any device.
  • Privacy First: All conversions happen in your browser; no data is sent anywhere.
  • Simple Interface: Clean, intuitive design for quick conversions.
  • Free to Use: No registration, no fees, unlimited conversions.

These features make the Base64 Converter a must-have tool for developers, students, and anyone needing to encode or decode data.

Common Use Cases

Base64 encoding is used in many scenarios. Here are some of the most common uses for this tool:

  • Email Attachments: Encode binary files for safe email transmission (MIME).
  • Web Development: Embed images and files in HTML, CSS, or JavaScript as Base64 strings.
  • API Authentication: Encode credentials for HTTP Basic Auth headers.
  • Data URLs: Embed images or files directly in web pages.
  • Binary Data in JSON: Safely transmit binary data in JSON payloads.
  • JWT Tokens: Encode and decode JSON Web Token payloads.
  • File Uploads: Convert files to Base64 for API or form submission.

Whether you're working with emails, APIs, or web apps, this tool streamlines your Base64 workflow.

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Enter Text: Type or paste your plain text in the left box.
  2. Encode: Click "Encode to Base64" to convert your text.
  3. Copy Result: Use the copy button to copy the Base64 string.
  4. Decode: Paste a Base64 string in the right box and click "Decode from Base64".
  5. Copy Decoded Text: Use the copy button to copy the decoded result.
  6. Clear All: Click "Clear All" to reset both fields and start over.

For best results, ensure your input is valid UTF-8 text and your Base64 strings are properly formatted.

Base64 Knowledge & Tips

  • What is Base64? A binary-to-text encoding scheme that represents binary data in ASCII string format using 64 characters.
  • Why Use Base64? Makes binary data safe for text-based protocols like email and JSON.
  • Padding: Uses '=' to ensure output length is a multiple of 4.
  • Size Increase: Encoded data is about 33% larger than the original binary.
  • URL Safety: Use the URL-safe variant for web links (replaces + and / with - and _).
  • Unicode Support: Always encode/decode as UTF-8 for non-ASCII characters.
  • Security: Base64 is not encryption; do not use for sensitive data.
  • Performance: For large data, consider streaming or chunking.
  • Line Breaks: Some implementations insert line breaks; remove them for web use.

Understanding Base64 helps you avoid common pitfalls and ensures your data is handled safely and efficiently in any application.