Developer Tools
Base64 Encoder / Decoder
Encode and decode Base64 for APIs, data URIs, and debugging.
How to Use
- Paste text to encode or Base64 to decode.
- Switch mode with tabs.
- Copy output.
Examples
Hello
SGVsbG8= encoded in Base64
Read the full guide
How to Use Base64 Encoder / Decoder: Complete Guide (2026) — 5 min read
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does it support Unicode?
- Yes — encoding uses the browser's `TextEncoder` API with UTF-8, so all Unicode characters including emoji, Arabic, Chinese, and other scripts are supported correctly.
- What is Base64 used for?
- Base64 is used to encode binary data (images, files) as plain ASCII text for safe transmission in contexts that can't handle raw binary — such as embedding images in CSS/HTML as data URIs, sending binary data in JSON APIs, storing binary content in databases, and encoding email attachments (MIME).
- Is Base64 the same as encryption?
- No. Base64 is an encoding scheme, not encryption. Anyone with the encoded string can decode it instantly. Never use Base64 to secure sensitive information — use proper encryption (AES, RSA) for that purpose.
- Why does my decoded output look garbled?
- The string you are trying to decode is likely not valid Base64, or it was encoded with a different charset. Ensure the input was encoded with UTF-8 Base64. If you see "=" padding errors, the string may be truncated.
- What is the "=" padding at the end of Base64 strings?
- Base64 encodes 3 bytes at a time into 4 characters. If the input isn't a multiple of 3 bytes, "=" padding is added at the end to complete the final 4-character group. One "=" means 1 byte of padding; "==" means 2 bytes of padding. It is normal and expected.