Base64 Encoder / Decoder
Free online Base64 encoder and decoder. Encode text to Base64 or decode Base64 back to plain text, with full Unicode (UTF-8) support - runs entirely in your browser.
About Base64 Encoder / Decoder
Encode text to Base64 or decode a Base64 string back to plain text instantly. Base64 represents binary or text data using 64 safe ASCII characters, which makes it ideal for embedding images as data URIs, sending values in JSON APIs, storing binary in databases, and encoding email attachments. This tool supports full Unicode via UTF-8, so emoji and non-English scripts encode and decode correctly. Everything runs client-side - your data never leaves your device.
How to Use Base64 Encoder / Decoder
- Choose Encode to convert text to Base64, or Decode to convert Base64 back to text.
- Paste your text or Base64 string into the input box.
- The converted result appears instantly in the output.
- Click Copy to grab the encoded or decoded value.
Base64 Encoder / Decoder Examples
Encode text
"Hello" encodes to SGVsbG8=
Decode Base64
SGVsbG8= decodes back to "Hello"
Unicode support
Emoji and accented characters encode via UTF-8 and decode back exactly.
Read the full guide
How to Use Base64 Encoder / Decoder: Complete Guide (2026) - 5 min read
Frequently Asked Questions about Base64 Encoder / Decoder
- Does it support Unicode?
- Yes - encoding uses the browser's `TextEncoder` API with UTF-8, so all Unicode characters including emoji, Arabic, Chinese, and other scripts are supported correctly.
- What is Base64 used for?
- Base64 is used to encode binary data (images, files) as plain ASCII text for safe transmission in contexts that can't handle raw binary - such as embedding images in CSS/HTML as data URIs, sending binary data in JSON APIs, storing binary content in databases, and encoding email attachments (MIME).
- Is Base64 the same as encryption?
- No. Base64 is an encoding scheme, not encryption. Anyone with the encoded string can decode it instantly. Never use Base64 to secure sensitive information - use proper encryption (AES, RSA) for that purpose.
- Why does my decoded output look garbled?
- The string you are trying to decode is likely not valid Base64, or it was encoded with a different charset. Ensure the input was encoded with UTF-8 Base64. If you see "=" padding errors, the string may be truncated.
- What is the "=" padding at the end of Base64 strings?
- Base64 encodes 3 bytes at a time into 4 characters. If the input isn't a multiple of 3 bytes, "=" padding is added at the end to complete the final 4-character group. One "=" means 1 byte of padding; "==" means 2 bytes of padding. It is normal and expected.