How to Encode and Decode Base64 Online

Developer · Step-by-step guide · 4 steps · 2 min read

Base64 writes any data using only plain letters and numbers. Emails and web apps use it to send files as text. This tool turns text or files into Base64 and back.

Open the Base64 Encoder / Decoder

In the pictures, orange letters like A show where to look. Each step tells you its letter.

Step 1: Choose the format

Pick Base64. It is the most common. You can also pick Base32, Hex, Binary or Octal. See A in the picture.

Step 2: Type text or add a file

In 1 Your text or file, type in Text. Or use Or choose a file. See B in the picture.

Step 3: Pick Auto, Encode or Decode

Auto guesses for you. Normal text gets turned into Base64. Base64 gets turned back into text. To choose yourself, pick Encode or Decode in 2 Encode or decode. See C in the picture.

Base64 tool with a short sentence typed in and Auto picked — Format (A), your text (B) and Auto, Encode or Decode (C).

Step 4: Copy the result

The result shows below with its size. If the result is a file, use Download Decoded under Advanced options. See D in the picture.

The sentence written in Base64 — The Base64 result (D).

Tips and questions

Does Base64 hide my data?

No. Anyone can turn Base64 back into text. Never use it to hide passwords. Use the Encrypt & Decrypt tool for that.

What is URL-safe Base64?

It swaps + and / for - and _. Then the text can go in a web address. Find it under Advanced options.

Does it work with emoji and accents?

Yes. Emoji and letters like é come back correctly.

What is a Data URI?

It is Base64 with a label in front, like data:image/png;base64,. You can put it straight into a web page. Press Encode as Data URI under Advanced options.

Privacy

Your data is handled in your browser. It is never sent to us. So it is safe to paste private or work data.

Try it now

The Base64 Encoder / Decoder is free. You do not need an account.