Base64 Encode / Decode

Convert text to Base64 or decode Base64 back to text. Works with Unicode.
All Tools
Options
Converts + → -, / → _, and removes padding =.
Helps avoid accidental spaces/newlines.
Useful for Base64 copied from emails or wrapped lines.
Output
Encode produces Base64 text. Decode produces the original text.
Note: Base64 is encoding, not encryption.
Bulk mode
One item per line. Encode/Decode will process each line and output a list.
Limit: 2000 lines

What is Base64 encoding?

Base64 encoding converts text or binary data into a text-friendly format using a limited set of ASCII characters. It is widely used to transport data safely through systems that expect plain text, such as JSON APIs, email (MIME), and configuration files.

Base64 decoding restores the original data. Because this is encoding (not encryption), anyone can decode a Base64 string. Use Base64 for compatibility and transport — not for protecting secrets.

Common uses for Base64

  • Embedding small images or icons as Base64 data URIs
  • Sending binary content through JSON or XML APIs
  • Storing structured payloads in config files or environment variables
  • Working with email attachments and MIME content
  • Debugging API responses that return Base64 fields

Base64 vs Base64URL

Standard Base64 can include +, /, and padding =, which may be inconvenient in URLs. Base64URL replaces those characters with URL-safe alternatives and typically removes padding. This is common in JWT tokens and web APIs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is Base64 encryption?

No. Base64 is encoding and can be decoded easily. It does not secure data.

2. Why does Base64 increase size?

Base64 converts binary into text, which typically increases size by about one-third.

3. What is Base64 used for in APIs?

It’s often used to transport binary data (files, images) in text-only formats like JSON.

4. What is Base64URL?

Base64URL is a URL-safe version of Base64. It’s commonly used in JWT and web tokens.

5. Can Base64 decode fail?

Yes. Invalid characters or malformed padding can cause decoding errors. This tool helps by ignoring whitespace if enabled.

6. Does this tool support Unicode?

Yes. It handles Unicode text safely using modern browser encoding utilities.

7. Can I encode passwords with Base64?

You can, but you shouldn’t for security. Use password hashing (Argon2/bcrypt) instead.

8. Can I bulk encode/decode?

Yes. Paste one item per line and the tool outputs one result per line.

9. Is my data stored anywhere?

No. Everything runs locally in your browser and nothing is uploaded.

10. When should I use Base64URL?

Use Base64URL when you need to place the encoded output inside URLs, cookies, or tokens like JWT.

Quick tips
Base64 is for compatibility, not security. If you need secrecy, use encryption.
Enable Base64URL when working with JWT or URL parameters.
Presets
Privacy: This tool runs in your browser. Nothing is uploaded.