Base64 Encoder / Decoder
Encode or decode Base64 strings in your browser
Works great with these tools
Base64 strings often appear inside JSON payloads. Format and validate the full JSON structure with our free JSON formatter.
Working with data pipelines? Convert your CSV data to JSON first, then encode the payload in Base64 for safe transport.
Generating API keys or tokens? Create a strong random string with our password generator, then Base64-encode it here.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions people ask before using this tool.
What is Base64 encoding used for?
Base64 turns binary data into ASCII text so it can safely travel through JSON, HTML, email, or REST APIs that only support text. Developers use it for embedding small images in CSS data URIs, sending file attachments in JSON payloads, or debugging binary data blobs.
Is Base64 the same as encryption?
No. Base64 is encoding, not encryption — anyone can decode a Base64 string instantly without a key. Never use Base64 alone to protect secrets or sensitive data. Use real cryptographic algorithms (AES, RSA) and always transmit sensitive data over HTTPS.
Why does Base64 make data larger?
Base64 encodes every 3 bytes of input as 4 ASCII characters, expanding the data size by roughly 33%. Use it where text-safe transport matters more than minimal file size. For large payloads, compress the data first (gzip) before Base64 encoding.
What is the difference between Base64 and Base64 URL encoding?
Standard Base64 uses + and / characters which have special meanings in URLs. Base64 URL encoding replaces + with - and / with _ to make the output safe for use in URLs and HTTP headers without percent-encoding. Choose the right variant for your use case.
Can I encode images or files to Base64?
Yes. You can encode any binary data including images, PDFs, and other files to Base64. This is common for embedding small images as data URIs in CSS or HTML to reduce HTTP requests. Note that large files create very long strings and may slow down your page.
How do I use Base64 in my code?
In JavaScript: btoa(string) encodes and atob(encoded) decodes. In Python: base64.b64encode(bytes) and base64.b64decode(string). Most languages have built-in Base64 functions. Use this online tool to quickly verify encoding/decoding without writing code.
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