About the Base64 Encoder & Decoder
Base64 represents any data using only 64 safe characters (letters, digits, “+” and “/”). It is used to embed images in HTML or CSS, send attachments in email, store binary data in JSON and pass values in URLs or HTTP headers. This tool converts text to Base64 and back as you type. It handles every language correctly by encoding text as UTF-8, and supports the URL-safe variant that replaces “+” and “/” with “-” and “_”.
How to use it
- Choose “Encode” to convert text to Base64, or “Decode” to convert Base64 back to text.
- Type or paste your input. The result updates instantly.
- Enable “URL-safe” when the result will be used in a URL or file name.
- Copy the result, or click “Use result as input” to reverse the conversion.
Frequently asked questions
Is Base64 a form of encryption?
No. Base64 is an encoding, not encryption. Anyone can decode it, so never use it to protect passwords or sensitive information.
Why is the Base64 result longer than my text?
Base64 uses 4 characters to represent every 3 bytes, so encoded data is about 33% larger than the original.
What is URL-safe Base64?
It is a variant defined in RFC 4648 that uses “-” and “_” instead of “+” and “/” and usually omits the “=” padding, so the value can be placed in URLs without escaping. The decoder accepts both variants.