Base64 Encode & Decode
Runs in your browser. Your files never leave your device.
How we keep your files private
How to use Base64 Encode & Decode
- Paste your text or Base64 string.
- Choose Encode or Decode.
- Copy the result.
Common uses
- Inspecting Base64 in API payloads and tokens.
- Encoding small text snippets for data URLs.
- Checking what an encoded value contains.
About this tool
Encode text to Base64 or decode Base64 back to text. UTF-8 is handled correctly, so accented letters and emoji survive a round trip. Base64 is an encoding, not encryption: anyone can decode it, so never rely on it to hide secrets.
Worked example
The text Hello encodes to SGVsbG8= in Base64, and decoding SGVsbG8= returns Hello. Base64 makes data about a third longer, because every 3 bytes become 4 characters.
Common problems and fixes
- Invalid character error when decoding.
- The text may be URL-safe Base64, which uses - and _ instead of + and /. Swap them back or remove line breaks and spaces.
- The decoded text looks like garbage.
- The data is probably binary (an image or file), not text. Use the image-to-Base64 tool for pictures.
- Padding (=) is missing.
- Some systems drop the = characters. Add = until the length is a multiple of 4.
Next steps
Frequently asked questions
Is Base64 encryption?
No. It is a reversible encoding anyone can decode, so it does not protect secrets.
Why does decoding fail?
The input may contain characters outside the Base64 alphabet, missing padding, or may not be valid UTF-8 text.
Does it support emoji and accents?
Yes, text is converted as UTF-8 before encoding.
Are my files uploaded to a server?
No. Everything runs inside your browser on your own device, so your files and text are never sent anywhere.
Is it really free?
Yes. There is no sign-up, no watermark and no limit on how often you use it.
Does it work on my phone?
Yes. It works in any modern browser on phones, tablets and computers. Very large files may be slow on older phones.