Base64 Encoder & Decoder
Turn text or a small file into Base64, or turn Base64 back into readable text.
Free, no sign-up. Everything runs in your browser.
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Step by step
How to use Base64 Encoder & Decoder
- 1
Paste text or choose a file
Type or paste into the box. To encode a file instead, press Choose file.
- 2
Choose Encode or Decode
Encode makes Base64 from your text. Decode reads Base64 and shows the text inside it.
- 3
Copy the result
Press Copy result, or Swap to send the result back into the input and convert the other way.
Overview
About Base64 Encoder & Decoder
Base64 is a way to write any data using only letters, numbers, + and /. It is used to put small files and text inside emails, web pages, JSON and configuration files, where raw bytes would break things. The result is about one third longer than the original.
This tool converts text as UTF-8, so Hindi, accented letters and emoji come out right and decode back correctly. You can also pick the URL-safe form, which uses - and _ instead of + and /, and leaves off the = padding, for use inside links and tokens.
Everything happens in your browser. Your text and files are not sent anywhere. Base64 is only a way of writing data, not a way of hiding it: anyone can decode it.
When it helps
- Read what is inside a Base64 string from an API, email or config file
- Prepare text or a small image to put inside JSON or HTML
- Convert text with Hindi or emoji without it turning into garbage
- Make a URL-safe Base64 value for a link or token
Specs
Supported files and limits
- Works with
- Any text, including Hindi and emoji, and small files for encoding
- Modes
- Encode or decode; standard or URL-safe Base64
- Largest file
- 1 MB (encoding only)
- Decoding
- Shows the result as text; spaces and line breaks inside the Base64 are ignored
- Where it runs
- In your browser. Nothing is uploaded.
Good to know
- Base64 is not encryption. Anyone can decode it, so never use it to protect a password or secret.
- Decoding shows text only. If the Base64 holds a picture or another binary file, the tool says so instead of showing broken characters.
- File encoding is limited to 1 MB so the page stays fast, and the result is about a third larger than the file.
Fix a problem
Troubleshooting
It says the text is not valid Base64
Base64 uses only letters, numbers, + / and = (or - and _ in the URL-safe form). Check for a missing or extra character, or a copy that was cut off.
It says the result is not text
The Base64 holds a file or other binary data, not text, so it cannot be shown here.
Decoded Hindi or emoji looks wrong
The original text may not have been UTF-8 when it was encoded. Encode it again here and use that value.
My Base64 has - and _ in it
That is the URL-safe form. Turn on the URL-safe option before decoding.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What is Base64?
A way to write data using only 64 safe characters (A to Z, a to z, 0 to 9, + and /). It lets text and files travel safely through systems that only accept plain text.
Is Base64 encryption?
No. It only changes how data is written. Anyone can decode it, so it gives no protection.
Does it work with Hindi and emoji?
Yes. Text is converted as UTF-8, so Hindi, other languages and emoji encode and decode correctly.
What is URL-safe Base64?
A variant that uses - and _ instead of + and / and drops the = padding, so the value can sit inside a link without extra encoding.
Is my data sent to a server?
No. Encoding and decoding run in your browser, so text and files stay on your device.
Is this Base64 tool free?
Yes, free with no sign-up.
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