Base64 Encode/Decode
Encode text to Base64 or decode Base64 back to plain text.
How to Use Base64 Encode/Decode
- 1
Choose Encode or Decode
Select the Encode tab to convert plain text to Base64, or the Decode tab to convert Base64 back to readable text.
- 2
Enter your text
Type or paste the content you want to convert. The tool handles plain ASCII and full Unicode text including emojis.
- 3
View the result
The converted output appears instantly as you type — no need to press a submit button.
- 4
Copy the output
Click the Copy button to copy the Base64 string or decoded text to your clipboard.
Key Features
Live Conversion
Results update in real time as you type, giving you instant feedback without waiting.
Full Unicode Support
Correctly encodes and decodes multi-byte characters, accented letters, CJK text, and emoji.
Encode & Decode Tabs
Switch between encoding and decoding with a single click. Each mode preserves your input independently.
One-Click Copy
Copy the result to your clipboard instantly — no manual text selection needed.
Error Feedback
If the input is not valid Base64 when decoding, the tool shows a clear error so you can correct it.
Common Use Cases
Encoding API Credentials
Convert username:password strings to Base64 for HTTP Basic Authentication headers.
Decoding Email Headers
Decode Base64-encoded subject lines or attachments from raw email source (MIME-encoded content).
Embedding Data in URLs
Base64-encode small payloads to safely include binary or special-character data in URL parameters or data URIs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Base64 encoding the same as encryption?▾
No. Base64 is an encoding scheme, not encryption. It converts binary data into ASCII text for transport, but anyone can decode it. Never use Base64 to protect sensitive information.
Why does Base64 make data larger?▾
Base64 represents every 3 bytes of input as 4 ASCII characters, resulting in roughly a 33% size increase. This trade-off enables safe transport of binary data through text-only channels.
Can I encode files with this tool?▾
This tool is designed for text input. For encoding files (images, PDFs, etc.) to Base64, you would need a tool that accepts file uploads.
Does this tool support URL-safe Base64?▾
The tool uses standard Base64 encoding (with + and / characters). For URL-safe Base64 (using - and _ instead), you would need to replace those characters after encoding.