Base64 Encoder & Decoder
Encode plain text to Base64 or decode Base64 back to text. Handles Unicode characters correctly. Runs entirely in your browser — no data sent to any server.
Runs entirely in your browser. No text is sent to any server.
Related calculators
Frequently asked questions
What is Base64?
Base64 is an encoding scheme that converts binary data into a text string using 64 printable ASCII characters (A-Z, a-z, 0-9, +, /). It is used when binary data needs to travel through systems that only handle text, such as email (MIME), JSON payloads, or HTML data attributes.
Why use Base64?
The most common uses: embedding images in HTML/CSS as data URLs (src='data:image/png;base64,...'), encoding API credentials in HTTP Authorization headers (Basic auth), storing binary blobs in JSON, and transmitting binary through SMTP. Base64 is not encryption — anyone can decode it.
Is Base64 a form of encryption?
No. Base64 is encoding, not encryption. Encoding is a reversible transformation that any tool can reverse without a key. Encryption requires a secret key and is computationally infeasible to reverse without it. Never rely on Base64 to protect sensitive data — use AES or RSA encryption instead.