🔀
Base64 vs URL encoding: what's the difference?
Two encoding schemes that sound similar and are constantly confused. Here's what each one does, where they're used, and why you shouldn't mix them up.
· 5min read Read more →
Base64 Encoder / Decoder
Encode and decode Base64 strings online
Your files never leave your browser. Nothing is uploaded to any server. Privacy Policy
Base64 encoding is used everywhere — from embedding images in HTML and CSS to passing binary data through JSON APIs and email. This tool encodes text or files to Base64 strings, or decodes them back, entirely in your browser.
How to encode or decode Base64
1
Choose a mode
Select Encode to convert text or a file to Base64, or Decode to reverse a Base64 string.
2
Enter your input
Type or paste text into the input field, or upload a file to encode.
3
Copy the result
The output appears instantly. Click Copy to copy the Base64 string to your clipboard.
Encode & decode
Convert plain text or binary data to Base64 and back with a single click.
File support
Encode binary files such as images or PDFs directly to a Base64 string.
Instant results
Output updates as you type — no button press required.
Private
All processing is done locally in your browser. Nothing is sent to any server.
FAQ
Base64 is an encoding scheme that converts binary data into a string of ASCII characters, commonly used in data URIs, email attachments, and APIs.
Use it when you need to transmit binary data (images, files) over text-based systems such as JSON APIs, HTML data URIs, or email.
Yes — paste any valid Base64 string and click Decode to retrieve the original text or binary content.
Yes. Upload a binary file such as an image or PDF and get a Base64 string back.
No. Base64 is encoding, not encryption. It transforms data into a text-safe format but does not secure it — anyone can decode a Base64 string.
A data URI embeds a file directly in HTML or CSS as a Base64 string (e.g. src="data:image/png;base64,..."), removing the need for a separate HTTP request.