Base64 String Encoder and Decoder Online
Base64 turns arbitrary bytes into a 64-character ASCII alphabet so text, tokens, and small binary blobs survive transports that only accept plain text — HTTP headers, JSON payloads, URLs, and email. It is an encoding, not encryption: anyone can decode it, so never treat a Base64 string as a secret. Reach for this tool when you need to read what a Base64 value actually contains, or wrap a short string so it travels safely through a text-only channel.
How to use it
- Paste or type your text into the input box.
- Choose the direction: encode plain text to Base64, or decode a Base64 string back to text.
- Read the converted result, and copy it with the copy button.
- For decoding, make sure the input is valid Base64 (its length is a multiple of 4, padded with '=' if needed).
Common use cases
- Encode a string to Base64 or decode a Base64 string back to text.
- Inspect the readable contents of a Base64 value from a token or config.
- Prepare a short string for embedding in a data URI or header.
Examples
Encode text to Base64
Input Hello, world!
Output SGVsbG8sIHdvcmxkIQ==
Each 3 bytes of input become 4 Base64 characters; '=' pads the final group.
Decode Base64 back to text
Input aXR1dGlsYm94
Output itutilbox
Decoding is the exact inverse — no information is lost.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Base64 a form of encryption?
- No. Base64 is a reversible encoding with a public algorithm. It hides nothing; use real encryption for secrets.
- Why does the output end with one or two '=' characters?
- '=' is padding that makes the output length a multiple of 4 when the input byte count is not divisible by 3.
- Does this tool send my text to a server?
- No. Encoding and decoding run entirely in your browser, so your input never leaves your device.
- What is URL-safe Base64?
- A variant that replaces '+' and '/' with '-' and '_' so the value can sit in a URL without further escaping.
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