Use this free Base64 Encode/Decode Tool to convert text into
Base64 encoding or decode Base64 strings back into readable plain text.
100% client-side, your data never leaves your browser.
Output
This free Base64 Encode Decode Online Tool lets you instantly convert text into Base64 encoding or decode Base64 strings back to plain text. It works directly in your browser, so your data always stays private and secure. Moreover, Base64 is widely used for storing, transmitting, and processing data in systems that only support text.
What is Base64 Encoding?
Base64 is a binary-to-text encoding scheme. It converts binary data into ASCII characters using 64 symbols (A–Z, a–z, 0–9, +, /). As a result, the output is a text string that can be safely transferred or stored in systems that only handle text. For example, images, files, or binary data can be represented as Base64 strings without losing integrity.
Why Use a Base64 Converter?
Base64 is useful in many situations. For instance:
- Email attachments: Encodes files so they can be sent via MIME email.
- Web development: Embeds small images or fonts directly in HTML or CSS, which reduces requests.
- APIs & JSON: Safely transmits binary data over JSON or XML, ensuring compatibility.
- Data storage: Stores binary data in text-based systems like databases.
- Cross-platform compatibility: Makes sure binary data survives across different systems.
Therefore, whenever binary data must be handled by text-only systems, Base64 encoding is a reliable solution.
When Should You Avoid Base64?
While Base64 is useful, it is not efficient for large files. Encoding increases the data size by about 33%. Consequently, for large file transfers, you should use standard binary formats or compression methods instead.
Is Base64 Encoding Secure?
Base64 is not encryption—it’s simply an encoding scheme. In other words, anyone can decode a Base64 string back into plain text. Thus, if you need security, you should use proper encryption algorithms such as AES or RSA instead of Base64.
How to Use This Base64 Encode Decode Online Tool
Using this tool is straightforward. Simply follow these steps:
- Enter your text or Base64 string in the input box above.
- Then click Encode to convert plain text into Base64.
- Alternatively, click Decode to turn a Base64 string back into readable text.
- Finally, copy the result using the Copy to Clipboard button.
As you can see, the process is quick and user-friendly.
Base64 FAQs
What does the “=” sign at the end mean?
The = sign is padding to make the Base64 string length a multiple of 4. Although some systems omit it, decoding still works.
What is URL-safe Base64?
URL-safe Base64 replaces + with - and / with _. Therefore, it can be safely used inside URLs without extra escaping.
Does Base64 support Unicode?
Yes. This tool works with UTF-8, so emojis and non-Latin characters are encoded and decoded correctly. In addition, it ensures consistent results across platforms.
