Base64 Encoder & Decoder
Encode text to Base64 or decode Base64 back to plain text, with full unicode support.
Base64 is an encoding scheme that represents binary data using only 64 printable ASCII characters, which is why it shows up everywhere binary data needs to travel safely through text-only channels: embedding images directly in CSS or HTML, encoding email attachments, packing binary payloads into JSON or URLs, and storing credentials in HTTP Basic Authentication headers. It isn't encryption — anyone can decode Base64 instantly — but it reliably prevents binary bytes from being corrupted or misinterpreted by systems that only expect text.
This tool encodes and decodes Base64 directly in your browser using the same TextEncoder/TextDecoder APIs modern browsers use internally, which means unicode text (accented characters, emoji, non-Latin scripts) round-trips correctly — a common failure point in naive Base64 implementations that only handle ASCII cleanly. Switch between the Encode and Decode tabs depending on which direction you need, and invalid Base64 input is flagged immediately with a clear error rather than silently producing garbage output.
Base64 encoding increases data size by roughly 33%, since every 3 bytes of input become 4 characters of output — worth keeping in mind if you're embedding a Base64 blob somewhere with a size constraint.
How to use Base64 Encoder & Decoder
- 1
Pick a direction
Choose the Encode tab to convert text to Base64, or Decode to convert Base64 back to text.
- 2
Paste your content
Enter the text or Base64 string in the input box.
- 3
Read the result instantly
The converted output updates live as you type — no button press needed.
- 4
Copy the output
Click Copy to grab the result onto your clipboard.
Features
- Full unicode support (emoji, accented characters, non-Latin scripts)
- Live conversion as you type, no button click required
- Clear error messages for invalid Base64 input
- Runs entirely client-side — nothing is uploaded
Frequently asked questions
Common mistakes to avoid
- Forgetting that Base64 is not encryption and using it to "hide" sensitive data.
- Truncating the Base64 string when copying, which drops required padding characters and breaks decoding.
- Mixing up URL-safe Base64 (which uses - and _ instead of + and /) with standard Base64.
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