Base64 Encoder & Decoder
Convert text to Base64 or decode Base64 back to plain text instantly
Base64 encoding converts binary or text data into a plain-text ASCII format, commonly used for embedding data in URLs, JSON, email attachments, and API tokens. This tool encodes and decodes entirely in your browser.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Base64 encoding used for?
Base64 turns arbitrary data (including binary) into ASCII text made up of letters, digits, and a few symbols, so it can safely travel through systems that only handle text — like embedding images in HTML/CSS, storing data in JSON, or encoding authentication tokens.
Is Base64 the same as encryption?
No. Base64 is an encoding, not encryption — it provides no security or confidentiality. Anyone can decode Base64 back to the original text instantly, as this tool demonstrates. Never use it to protect sensitive data.
Why does decoding sometimes fail?
Decoding fails if the input isn't valid Base64 — for example, it contains characters outside the Base64 alphabet (A-Z, a-z, 0-9, +, /, =) or has incorrect padding. Make sure you're pasting the complete encoded string.
Does this support Unicode text, like emoji or non-English characters?
Yes. Text is encoded as UTF-8 bytes before Base64 conversion, so accented characters, emoji, and non-Latin scripts round-trip correctly.
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