Base64 Encoder & Decoder

What is Base64?

Base64 is a way to turn any text — or any binary data — into a safe string of letters, numbers and the characters +, / and =. It is used everywhere on the internet: email attachments, API tokens, images embedded in web pages, and data sent in URLs and JSON. For example, the text "Hello" becomes "SGVsbG8=" in Base64. The encoded text is about one-third longer than the original, but it can travel through systems that only accept plain text without getting damaged.

How to use the Base64 Encoder & Decoder

Encoding takes three steps. Step 1: paste or type your text into the input box, or click "Load sample" to try an example. Step 2: click "Encode to Base64" to turn the text into Base64, or paste a Base64 string and click "Decode from Base64" to turn it back into readable text. Step 3: copy the result with "Copy output" or save it with "Download .txt". The "URL-safe" option replaces + with - and / with _, so the result works safely inside a web link. Everything runs in your browser — your text is never uploaded or stored.

Example: before and after

Encode "Hello, Anees!" and you get "SGVsbG8sIEFuZWVzIQ==". Decode that string and you get the original text back, exactly as it was. The tool handles Urdu, emoji and other non-English text correctly too, because it encodes the text as UTF-8 first — a common mistake in simpler encoders, which break on anything that is not plain English letters.

Common Base64 errors and how to fix them

Most decoding errors come from three small mistakes. 1. Missing padding: a Base64 string must have a length that is a multiple of 4 — if it ends without the needed = signs, decoding fails; this tool accepts the string and reports the exact problem. 2. Wrong characters: spaces, line breaks or characters like - and _ in a standard Base64 string make it invalid — remove them, or use the URL-safe option. 3. Trying to decode plain text: only text that was encoded as Base64 can be decoded; pasting "Hello" and clicking Decode will show an error, because "Hello" is not valid Base64.

Tips and common mistakes

• Base64 is encoding, not encryption. Anyone can decode a Base64 string in seconds — never use it to hide a password or a secret. Use it to transport data safely, not to keep it secret.
• Use URL-safe Base64 in links. Standard Base64 contains + and /, which have special meanings in a URL and can break a link — tick "URL-safe" when the result goes into a web address.
• Check the padding. If a decoded result looks wrong, the encoded string may be missing its trailing = signs.
• Never paste passwords or secret API keys into any online encoder. This tool never uploads your text — everything runs in your browser — but the rule still stands for every other site.