Base64 Encoder / Decoder
Encode UTF-8 text to Base64 or decode Base64 back to readable text directly in your browser.
Encode or decode Base64
Convert UTF-8 text and standard Base64 locally in your browser.
Your text and Base64 data are processed locally in your browser and are not sent to a server.
Overview
What is Base64?
Base64 is a binary-to-text encoding that represents bytes with letters, numbers, and a small set of symbols. It helps binary-compatible content pass through systems designed primarily for text.
Base64 changes representation rather than meaning. It is encoding, not encryption, and encoded content can be decoded without a secret key.
Encode
How to encode text to Base64
- Enter text in the Text Input field.
- Choose Encode.
- Select Encode Base64.
- Copy the Base64 output.
Decode
How to decode Base64
- Paste standard Base64 into the Base64 Input field.
- Choose Decode.
- Select Decode Base64.
- Read or copy the decoded UTF-8 text.
Example
Base64 example
Text
HelloBase64
SGVsbG8=Unicode text follows the same process after it is converted into UTF-8 bytes. This is why the tool can safely handle Chinese text and emoji.
Security
Base64 is not encryption
Base64 offers no confidentiality. Anyone who receives an encoded value can decode it, so Base64 should never be treated as protection for passwords, secrets, access tokens, or sensitive personal data.
Use cases
When is Base64 used?
- Representing binary-compatible values in APIs and text payloads.
- Embedding small resources in data URLs.
- Transporting attachments through email and MIME systems.
- Moving byte data through systems that expect text.
Unicode
UTF-8 and Base64
JavaScript strings can contain characters that an ASCII-only Base64 conversion cannot represent. This tool first converts text to UTF-8 bytes and reverses that step during decoding, preserving Chinese characters, emoji, and other Unicode text.
Comparison
Base64 vs URL encoding
Base64 represents bytes with a text character set. URL encoding represents characters such as spaces and punctuation safely inside URLs. They solve different problems and should not be used interchangeably.
For percent encoding, use theURL Encoder / Decoder. This Base64 tool handles standard Base64 rather than Base64URL.
To inspect Base64URL-encoded token segments and claims, use theJWT Decoder.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What is Base64?
Base64 is a binary-to-text encoding that represents bytes using a limited set of text characters. It is commonly used where binary data must travel through text-based systems.
Is Base64 encryption?
No. Base64 does not provide secrecy or security. Anyone can decode it, so it should not be used to protect passwords, secrets, tokens, or other sensitive data.
Does this Base64 tool support Unicode and emoji?
Yes. The tool converts text to UTF-8 bytes before encoding and decodes Base64 bytes as UTF-8, so Chinese text, emoji, and other Unicode characters are supported.
Is my text uploaded to a server?
No. Text and Base64 conversion happen locally in your browser, and this tool does not send your input to a server.
Why does Base64 sometimes end with =?
The equals signs are padding characters used when the original byte length does not divide evenly into Base64 encoding groups.
What is the difference between Base64 and Base64URL?
Standard Base64 uses + and / characters and may use = padding. Base64URL replaces those characters for URL-safe contexts. This tool currently handles standard Base64 only.