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Base64 Encoder / Decoder

Encode text or files to Base64, or decode Base64 strings back to plain text.

Input text or Base64 string

Result

What is this tool?

A Base64 encoder/decoder is a free developer tool that converts text, binary data or files to Base64 encoded format and back. Base64 is widely used for encoding binary data as ASCII text in emails, data URLs, API authentication headers and web tokens (JWT).

How to Use

Enter text or paste Base64Type the plain text you want to encode, or paste a Base64 string you want to decode.

Click Encode or DecodeClick Encode to convert to Base64, or Decode to convert Base64 back to plain text.

Copy the resultClick Copy to grab the output and use it in your code, email or configuration file.

Common Uses

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Web Development

Encode images as Base64 data URIs to embed them directly in HTML or CSS without a separate HTTP request.

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Authentication

Basic HTTP authentication uses Base64 encoding: 'Authorization: Basic ' + base64('username:password').

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Email

MIME encoding uses Base64 to send binary attachments (images, PDFs) through email systems that only support text.

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JWT Tokens

JSON Web Tokens (JWT) use Base64URL encoding for their header and payload sections.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Base64?

Base64 is an encoding scheme that converts binary data into a sequence of printable ASCII characters using 64 characters: A–Z, a–z, 0–9, + and /. It is not encryption.

Is Base64 encoding the same as encryption?

No. Base64 is encoding, not encryption. It can be decoded by anyone without a key. Do not use it to secure sensitive data.

Why does Base64 end with == sometimes?

Base64 encodes 3 bytes at a time into 4 characters. If the input is not a multiple of 3 bytes, padding characters (=) are added at the end to make it so.

What is Base64URL?

Base64URL is a variant that replaces + with - and / with _ to make the output safe for use in URLs and filenames without percent-encoding.