About the Base64 Encoder/Decoder
Base64 encoding turns binary data and plain text into a string made of letters, numbers, and a few symbols — safe to embed in JSON, XML, email attachments, or data URLs. You have probably seen it in JWT tokens, CSS data URIs, or API fields labeled "image_base64."
Decoding goes the other way: you paste a Base64 string and get the original text back. Handy when you are debugging an API response, inspecting a token payload, or trying to figure out what a garbled string actually contains.
This encoder handles UTF-8 text properly (including emoji and non-English characters), which basic btoa/atob sometimes mangle. Switch between Encode and Decode tabs, paste your input, and get the result instantly. Everything runs client-side — nothing is stored or transmitted.
How to Encode or Decode Base64
- Choose the Encode tab to convert plain text to Base64, or Decode to reverse the process.
- Paste or type your input into the text area.
- Click the action button — the result appears in the output panel immediately.
- Use Copy to grab the output for your code, API request, or debugging session.
Common Questions
Answers to what people usually ask about base64 encoder/decoder
Is Base64 encryption?+
No. Base64 is encoding, not encryption. Anyone can decode it in seconds. Never use Base64 alone to protect passwords or secrets — it is only meant for safe transport in text-based formats.
Why does decoding fail with an invalid character error?+
The input probably is not valid Base64. Check for missing padding (= signs at the end), line breaks in the middle of the string, or text that was never Base64-encoded in the first place.
Can I encode files?+
This tool works with text input. For small files you can paste text content directly. For binary files like images, use your browser devtools or a dedicated file-to-Base64 utility — we may add file upload in a future version.