Base64 Encode/Decode

Encode text to Base64 or decode Base64 to text, with URL-safe support

URL-safe

Plain Text

Base64 Output

What is Base64 Encoding?

Base64 is a binary-to-text encoding scheme that converts binary data into an ASCII string using a set of 64 characters (A–Z, a–z, 0–9, +, /). It's commonly used to embed binary data in text-based formats like JSON, HTML, and email, or to encode credentials for HTTP Basic Authentication.

How to Use This Base64 Tool

Select Encode or Decode mode using the toggle.
Enable URL-safe mode if your data is used in URLs (replaces +// with -/_).
Paste your text or Base64 string into the input area.
The result appears instantly in the output area — no submit button needed.
Copy the output with one click using the copy button.

Common Use Cases

Encoding API credentials for HTTP Basic Authentication headers.
Embedding small images or files as data: URIs in HTML or CSS.
Decoding Base64-encoded JWT token segments to inspect their contents.
Exchanging binary data in JSON or XML payloads where raw bytes aren't allowed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between standard and URL-safe Base64?

Standard Base64 uses + and / characters, which have special meaning in URLs. URL-safe Base64 replaces them with - and _ respectively, and removes trailing = padding, making the output safe for use in query strings and path segments.

Is Base64 encryption?

No. Base64 is an encoding scheme, not encryption. It transforms data into a different representation but provides no security or confidentiality. Anyone can decode Base64 — never use it to protect sensitive information.

Does Base64 increase the size of my data?

Yes. Base64 encoding expands data by approximately 33%. Every 3 bytes of input become 4 bytes of Base64 output. This overhead is the trade-off for representing binary data in a text-safe format.