Base64 represents data using a safe set of 64 ASCII characters, which is why it shows up everywhere binary or unusual data must travel through text-only channels — data URIs, email attachments, API tokens and configuration files. The Base64 Encode / Decode tool converts text to Base64 and back, with full Unicode support so nothing gets mangled.
How to use the Base64 tool
- Paste your text or Base64 string.
- Click Encode or Decode.
- Copy the result.
Why Base64 exists
Many systems were designed to carry plain text and choke on raw binary data or special characters. Base64 sidesteps that by re-expressing any data using only letters, digits and a couple of symbols that survive transmission intact. It does not encrypt or hide anything — it is purely an encoding for safe transport — which is why it is so common in tokens, embedded images and email. Decoding simply reverses the process to recover the original.
Tips for clean conversions
- Base64 is not encryption; never use it to protect secrets, only to transport data.
- Unicode is handled correctly, so emoji and accented characters round-trip safely.
- Decoding fails on invalid input, which usually means the string is truncated.
- Expect about a third more characters after encoding.
All conversion happens in your browser, so whatever you paste stays on your device.
Quick reference
| Direction | Example |
|---|---|
| Encode | Hi → SGk= |
| Decode | SGk= → Hi |
| Unicode | Fully supported |
| Encryption? | No — encoding only |
| Processing | Local |