Base64 Encode and Decode converts text to Base64 and back. It handles all languages and emoji correctly because it works with UTF-8.
What is Base64?
Base64 is a method for representing data using only 64 safe text characters: capital letters, small letters, numbers, plus and slash, with an equals sign for padding. It was invented so that data such as images, files or special characters can travel safely through systems that only handle plain text, such as email, web addresses and some data formats. This tool encodes text into Base64 and decodes Base64 back to normal text.
Where is Base64 used?
- Email attachments. Email systems use Base64 to send files inside text messages.
- Web development. Small images and fonts can be embedded in web pages as Base64.
- APIs and JSON. Binary data is often sent as Base64 text.
- Authentication headers. HTTP basic authentication encodes a username and password pair in Base64.
- Tokens. Many web tokens use a Base64 variant to carry information.
Encoding and decoding
Encode. Type or paste text, choose Encode and press Run. The tool converts your text to bytes and then to Base64 text. The result is about one third longer than the input.
Decode. Paste a Base64 string, choose Decode and press Run. If the text is valid Base64, the original text appears. If it contains characters that are not allowed or has the wrong format, the tool shows an error message.
Works with every language
Many simple converters fail with characters outside basic English letters. This tool first converts your text to UTF-8, the standard way of storing text from all languages and emoji, and then encodes it. That means Hindi, Urdu, Arabic, Chinese and emoji are converted and restored correctly.
Base64 is not encryption
This is the most important thing to remember. Base64 does not hide or protect information. Anyone can decode it with a tool like this one in a second. Never use it to protect passwords, personal data or secrets. If you need to protect data, use real encryption and secure storage. Base64 is only a format change.
Privacy
Your text is processed in the browser, so it is not sent to a server. Even so, avoid pasting highly sensitive credentials into any online tool unless you are sure you are on a trusted device.
Tips
- Remove spaces and line breaks within a Base64 string if you see an error. This tool ignores whitespace, but other programs may not.
- URL-safe Base64 replaces plus and slash with dash and underscore. If your text uses those, replace them before decoding.
- If you want to convert an image to Base64, use the Image to Base64 tool.
- Check the length: valid Base64 is usually a multiple of four characters, with padding at the end.
Troubleshooting
It says the text is not valid Base64. The string may be incomplete, may contain URL-safe characters or may not be Base64 at all.
The decoded text looks like random symbols. The original data may be a file or image rather than text.
Accents or emoji look wrong. The data was probably encoded with a different text encoding than UTF-8.
Free and unlimited
Encode or decode as much as you want, with no account and no limits.
A real-world example
Junaid is testing an API that expects a username and password in a header, encoded as Base64. He types the credentials separated by a colon, encodes them and pastes the result into his testing tool. Later he receives a Base64 string from a log file and decodes it to read the original message. In both cases he only needed a few seconds.
Checklist before you use the result
- You chose the correct direction: encode or decode.
- You removed unwanted spaces or line breaks.
- You remember that Base64 is not encryption.
- You avoided pasting real passwords on shared computers.
Related tools
Image to Base64 handles pictures, JSON Formatter and Validator checks structured data, and Password Generator creates random credentials.
More questions about this tool
Why does my encoded text end with equals signs?
The equals signs are padding that makes the length a multiple of four. They are a normal part of Base64.
Can I encode files here?
This tool is for text. To convert a picture, use the Image to Base64 tool.
How to use Base64 Encode and Decode
- Paste your text.
- Choose encode or decode.
- Click "Run" and copy the result.
Frequently asked questions
What is Base64 used for?
It is used to safely carry data inside text, for example in emails, URLs and APIs.
Is Base64 encryption?
No. Anyone can decode it, so never use it to hide passwords.
Is this tool really free?
Yes. All tools on this website are free to use, with no sign-up needed.
Are my files and data safe?
Yes. Everything is processed inside your own browser. Your files and text are not uploaded to our servers.
Does it work on mobile?
Yes. The tools work on modern phones, tablets and computers.