Base64 Converter

Text to Base64 and back, with UTF-8 and URL-safe input

Direction

Output (Base64)

Base64 Converter guide

Base64 turns any data into plain letters, digits, + and /, so it can travel through systems built for text: JSON fields, email, data URLs, and HTTP headers. This tool encodes text to Base64 and decodes Base64 back to text, with full UTF-8 support for emoji and every script.

How Base64 works

The encoder takes the bytes of your text three at a time and writes each group as four characters from a 64-character alphabet. That is why Base64 output is about a third longer than the input, and why it can end with one or two = padding characters.

hello  ->  aGVsbG8=
user:pass  ->  dXNlcjpwYXNz
đź‘‹  ->  8J+Riw==

Decoding

Choose Decode and paste a Base64 string. The decoder also accepts the URL-safe variant, which uses - and _ instead of + and /, and strings with the padding left off, as found in JWTs and many URLs.

If the decoded bytes are not valid text, for example when the Base64 holds an image, you get an error instead of garbled characters. Switching between Encode and Decode also moves the current output into the input, so checking a round trip takes one click.

Base64 is not encryption

Anyone can decode Base64 in a second, so never use it to hide passwords or secrets. It exists to move data safely through text-only channels, not to keep it private.

When it helps

  • Reading an HTTP Basic auth header: Basic dXNlcjpwYXNz decodes to user:pass.
  • Inspecting values in cookies, config files, and API payloads.
  • Encoding a small value to store in an environment variable or a data URL.

Frequently asked questions

What is Base64 encoding?
Base64 encoding converts text into a string of ASCII characters, making it safe to transmit over text-based systems. Use our Base64 Converter to encode or decode text easily.
How do I use the Base64 Converter?
Choose Encode or Decode above the boxes, then type or paste into the input. The result updates as you type; click Copy to take it.
Why would I need to convert text to Base64?
Converting text to Base64 is useful for tasks like embedding text data in code, sharing it via text-only platforms, or preparing it for APIs. Our converter makes it quick and simple.
Is Base64 encoding secure for sensitive text?
No, Base64 encoding isn’t encryption—it only reformats text, not secures it. Use our tool for text encoding and decoding, but not for protecting confidential data.