Last updated:
What Base64 is for
Base64 is an encoding that turns any data into text made only of letters, digits and a couple of symbols. Its purpose is to move binary data through channels that can only carry text: email attachments, HTTP headers and small images embedded in configuration files all travel this way.
This tool encodes your text to Base64 or decodes a Base64 string back. Everything runs in your browser; your data is never sent anywhere.
Base64 is not encryption
A common mistake with expensive consequences: because Base64 output is unreadable, people assume it is secure. It is not. Base64 is reversible and needs no key to reverse — any tool will decode it in seconds.
So you cannot Base64 a password, an access key or personal data and call it hidden. Data that genuinely needs protecting needs encryption; Base64 is a transport format, not a security measure.
UTF-8 text is handled correctly, accented and non-Latin characters included — encode and decode any string and you get the same thing back.
How to encode and decode Base64
Step 1: Choose the direction
Select encoding to convert text to Base64, or decoding to read a Base64 string.
Step 2: Paste your data
Drop your text or Base64 string into the input field.
Step 3: Copy the result
The output appears immediately — copy it wherever you need it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Base64 a form of encryption?
No, and the distinction is important. Base64 is reversible without a key; being unreadable does not make it secure. Use real encryption for anything that needs protecting.
Are accented and non-Latin characters preserved?
Yes. Text is processed as UTF-8, so any character survives an encode and decode round trip unchanged.
Why is Base64 data bigger than the original?
The encoding represents every 3 bytes with 4 characters, so the size grows by roughly a third. That overhead is inherent to the format.
Why does decoding fail?
Usually part of the string was not copied, or line breaks and spaces crept in. Copy the data again in full and retry.
Is my data uploaded?
No. Encoding and decoding both run entirely in your browser.
Related Tools
- Strong Password Generator & Entropy MeterProduce cryptographically secure random passwords with high entropy.
- Word & Character CounterLive text analysis: words, characters, sentences, paragraphs and reading time.
- JSON Formatter & ValidatorMake tangled JSON readable and catch syntax errors instantly.
- Free CV Maker with Cover Letter — No Sign-UpBuild a CV and a cover letter in German, Turkish or international format and download the PDF. No account, no card, and nothing you type leaves your device.
- Custom QR Code GeneratorCreate colored QR codes with custom dot styles and an icon in the middle.
- MP3 Metadata & ID3 Tag Remover (also M4A, FLAC, WAV)Strip studio, software, device and personal details from MP3, M4A, OGG, FLAC and WAV files, keeping title and artist.