What is Base64 Encoder / Decoder?
Base64 is an encoding scheme that represents binary or text data using only 64 printable ASCII characters. It is widely used to embed images in CSS, send data in URLs and email, and store binary content in text-only formats like JSON and XML. A Base64 encoder and decoder converts your text to this format and back again.
This tool fully supports UTF-8, so it correctly encodes and decodes international characters and emojis, not just plain English.
How to Use the Base64 Encoder / Decoder
- Enter plain text to encode, or a Base64 string to decode.
- Click Encode to convert text into Base64.
- Click Decode to turn Base64 back into readable text.
- Copy the output for use in your code or documents.
Features of Our Base64 Encoder / Decoder
- Two-way Base64 encoding and decoding
- Full UTF-8 support for any language
- Clear error messages for invalid input
- Handles long strings instantly
- Copy and clear controls
- Runs entirely offline for privacy
Benefits & Use Cases
Developers encode data for data URIs, API tokens, basic authentication headers and configuration files. Decoding Base64 is equally common when inspecting JWTs, email attachments and encoded payloads.
Because encoding happens locally, you can safely work with tokens and sensitive strings without sending them to any server.
The Base64 Encoder / Decoder is completely free, needs no sign-up or installation, and runs entirely in your browser — nothing you enter is uploaded to a server, so your data stays private. It works on desktop, tablet and mobile, in light or dark mode.
Tips & Best Practices
Base64 is encoding, not encryption — anyone can decode it, so never use it to hide secrets, only to move data safely as text. Keep it for small payloads: inline icons, JWT inspection, basic-auth headers and config values. A failed decode almost always means missing padding or a stray character in the input.
To turn an actual image file into a data URI, use the dedicated Image to Base64 tool instead. For link-safe text rather than binary-safe text, reach for the URL Encoder / Decoder.
FAQ about Base64 Encoder / Decoder
Is Base64 a form of encryption?
No. Base64 is encoding, not encryption. Anyone can decode it, so it should never be used to protect secrets — only to represent data safely as text.
Does it handle emojis and accents?
Yes. The tool encodes and decodes using UTF-8, so emojis, accented letters and non-Latin scripts all work correctly.
Why did decoding fail?
Decoding fails when the input is not valid Base64. Check for missing padding, spaces or characters that are not part of the Base64 alphabet.
Can I encode a whole file?
This tool focuses on text. To encode an image or file to Base64, use our dedicated Image to Base64 tool instead.