Base64 Encoder & Decoder

Quickly encode and decode text using Base64.

How to Use the Base64 Tool

  1. Input Your Data: Type or paste text into the "Text" box to encode it. Alternatively, paste a Base64 string into the "Base64" box to decode it.
  2. Live Conversion: The tool converts your input in real-time. The corresponding encoded or decoded result will appear in the other text box automatically.
  3. Swap Inputs: Click the swap button () to quickly move the content from one box to the other.
  4. Copy Result: Use the "Copy" icon on either box to copy its content to your clipboard.

About Base64 Encoding

Base64 is not an encryption method, but rather an encoding scheme. It is used to represent binary data (like images or executable files) as a string of common ASCII characters. This is particularly useful for transmitting data over channels that are designed to handle only plain text, such as in certain parts of an HTML document or in an email body.

This tool provides a simple and instant way for developers and IT professionals to encode text into a Base64 string or decode a Base64 string back into a human-readable format. Our implementation correctly handles UTF-8 characters, ensuring that international text and emojis are encoded and decoded without data loss. All operations happen securely in your browser.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is Base64 secure for passwords?

No, absolutely not. Base64 is a reversible encoding scheme, not encryption. Anyone can decode a Base64 string. It provides no confidentiality and should never be used to store or transmit sensitive information like passwords or private keys. For that, you should use a strong encryption algorithm like AES.

Why does Base64 output look like random characters?

The Base64 character set consists of 64 characters: A-Z, a-z, and 0-9, plus two other characters (typically '+' and '/'). It takes 3 bytes of binary data and represents them as 4 printable ASCII characters. This process makes the output seem random, but it follows a well-defined standard and is fully reversible.

Can I encode files with this tool?

This specific tool is designed for encoding and decoding text. While it's technically possible to open a small file as text and paste its contents, it is not recommended for binary files like images or executables, as this can lead to corruption. We plan to add a dedicated file-to-Base64 tool in the future.