Developer Tools

Base64 Encoder & Decoder

Encode text to Base64 and decode Base64 strings back to UTF-8 text with URL-safe support.

Base64 Output
Runs 100% locally in your browser. Zero data transmission.

How It Works & Underlying Concept

Base64 is a binary-to-text encoding scheme that represents binary data in an ASCII string format using 64 characters (A-Z, a-z, 0-9, +, /). It is commonly used to transfer data over networks that are designed to handle textual content, such as email attachments (MIME) and HTTP headers.

Mathematical Formula / RuleGroups binary bytes into 6-bit chunks and maps each chunk to the 64-character Base64 alphabet index.
Quick Instructions
1Paste your text or Base64 string into the input area.
2Click 'Encode to Base64' or 'Decode from Base64'.
3Toggle URL-Safe mode if you intend to include the Base64 in URL queries or tokens.
4Copy your result with one click.

Key Capabilities

  • Encode UTF-8 strings into Base64 with full emoji and international character support
  • Decode Base64 back into readable UTF-8 text
  • Support for URL-safe Base64 (- and _ instead of + and /)
  • One-click copy and instant error handling for invalid input
Real-World Example

Basic HTTP Authentication Header

A developer needs to generate an authorization header value from 'username:password123'.

Step 1:Enter 'username:password123' in the text field.
Step 2:Click 'Encode to Base64'.
Result: Produces: 'dXNlcm5hbWU6cGFzc3dvcmQxMjM='. Usable in 'Authorization: Basic dXNlcm5hbWU6cGFzc3dvcmQxMjM='.
Technical Notes & Limits
  • Base64 is an encoding format, NOT encryption; anyone can decode it instantly without a key.
  • Base64 encoding increases data size by approximately 33%.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Base64 secure for storing passwords?▾
No. Base64 is merely an encoding scheme and provides zero confidentiality. Anyone can decode it immediately. Passwords must be hashed using algorithms like bcrypt or Argon2.
What is URL-safe Base64?▾
Standard Base64 contains '+' and '/' characters, which have special meanings in URLs. URL-safe Base64 replaces '+' with '-' and '/' with '_', and omits padding '='.

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