Base64 Encoder / Decoder
Encode text or files to Base64 and decode Base64 strings instantly in your browser
+ → -, / → _)
- → +, _ → /)
Drag & drop a file here, or browse to upload
Any file type supported. Output is a Base64 data URL.
Base64 Encoder / Decoder — Tips & Guide
Base64 is a binary-to-text encoding scheme that represents binary data as ASCII characters. It's widely used in web development, email, and data transfer to safely transmit binary data over text-based channels.
Use URL-safe Variant for URLs
Standard Base64 uses + and /, which are reserved in URLs. The URL-safe variant replaces these with - and _, making it safe to use in query parameters without additional percent-encoding.
Embed Images in HTML/CSS
Base64-encoded images can be embedded directly in HTML or CSS as data URLs (data:image/png;base64,...). This eliminates an extra HTTP request, useful for small icons or critical above-the-fold images.
Base64 is Not Encryption
Base64 encoding is not a form of encryption or security. It is trivially reversible and provides no confidentiality. Never use Base64 to "hide" sensitive information such as passwords or API keys.
Base64 is a binary-to-text encoding scheme that converts binary data into a string of 64 ASCII characters (A–Z, a–z, 0–9, +, /). It is used to safely transmit binary data—such as images, files, or arbitrary bytes—over channels designed to handle only text, such as email (MIME) or JSON payloads. The encoded output is approximately 33% larger than the original binary data.
Switch to the "Decode" tab, paste your Base64 string into the input field, and the decoded text will appear instantly on the right. If your Base64 was encoded using the URL-safe variant (using - and _ instead of + and /), enable the "URL-safe input" toggle before decoding.
No. Base64 is an encoding scheme, not an encryption algorithm. Encoding transforms data into a different format for compatibility or transport purposes, and is fully reversible by anyone with the encoded string. Encryption requires a secret key and is designed to prevent unauthorized parties from reading the original data. Do not use Base64 to protect sensitive information.
In web development, Base64 is commonly used to embed small images and fonts directly in HTML or CSS via data URLs, encode binary file contents for JSON API payloads, store binary blobs in text-based storage systems, encode credentials in HTTP Basic Authentication headers, and represent cryptographic keys or tokens in a text-safe format.