What is a Base64 encode & decode?
Base64 writes any data using 64 safe characters (A–Z, a–z, 0–9, + and /), so it can travel through email, JSON and URLs. Every 3 bytes become 4 characters, so encoded text is about a third larger. It is an encoding, not encryption: anyone can decode it.
Features
- Text to Base64 and Base64 to text
- Full UTF-8: emoji, accents and Indian scripts
- URL-safe variant (- and _, no padding)
- Decodes both variants, with or without padding
- Swap direction in one tap
- Runs in your browser; nothing uploaded
How to use the Base64 encode & decode
- Choose Text → Base64 or Base64 → text.
- Type or paste your input.
- Tick URL-safe if the result goes into a URL or a token.
- Copy the result.
Standard or URL-safe?
| Standard | URL-safe | |
|---|---|---|
| Characters 62 and 63 | + and / | - and _ |
| Padding | = at the end | Usually left off |
| Used in | Email attachments, data: URLs, HTTP Basic auth | JWTs, URL parameters, file names |
Both are defined in RFC 4648. The decoder here accepts either.
Example
Hello encodes to SGVsbG8=. The text is 5 bytes; Base64 works in groups of 3 bytes, so the last group is padded with one =. Text in other scripts is turned into UTF-8 bytes first: नमस्ते is 18 bytes and encodes to 24 characters.
Frequently asked questions
Is Base64 encryption?
No. It hides nothing; anyone can decode it in a second. Use it to move data through text-only systems, not to protect it.
Why does my decoded text look like junk?
The Base64 probably holds a file, such as an image or PDF, rather than text. The tool says so instead of showing broken characters.
Is what I paste uploaded?
No. Encoding and decoding happen in your browser and nothing is stored.
Last updated 15 November 2026. Made by Criza Labs. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.