Base64 Encoder and Decoder
Convert text to Base64 and back instantly. Developers reach for Base64 whenever they need to embed data in URLs, JSON payloads, or config files without breaking the format.
How to use the Base64 Encoder & Decoder
- Paste plain text and click encode to produce its Base64 representation.
- Paste a Base64 string and click decode to recover the original text.
- Use the swap button to move a result back into the input for reverse conversion.
- Copy the output straight into your code or configuration.
When the Base64 Encoder & Decoder is useful
- Encoding credentials or tokens for basic authentication headers.
- Embedding small text payloads inside JSON or YAML configuration.
- Decoding Base64 fragments found in API logs or web requests.
- Checking what a Base64 string contains before trusting or forwarding it.
How the Base64 Encoder & Decoder works
Base64 maps every three bytes of input to four characters drawn from a 64-character alphabet, padding the final group with equals signs when needed. The tool uses the browser's native encoding functions, which handle Unicode text correctly when converting between UTF-8 and Base64. Both directions run locally, so tokens and internal strings you paste never travel to a third-party service that could log them.
Limits to keep in mind
Base64 is an encoding, not encryption; anyone can decode the output, so never use it to hide secrets.
Frequently asked questions
Is Base64 secure?
No. It is a reversible encoding for transport, not a form of encryption.
Does it handle Unicode and emojis?
Yes, input is converted as UTF-8 before encoding, so non-ASCII text round-trips correctly.
Why does my output end with equals signs?
Padding characters appear when the input length is not a multiple of three bytes; they are normal.
Last reviewed: October 2026.