Base64 Encoder / Decoder

Encode and decode Base64 in both directions, with correct handling of Unicode and emoji and a URL-safe variant that swaps the problematic characters. Everything runs locally in your browser, so nothing you paste is transmitted.

Frequently asked questions

Is Base64 encryption?

No, and this matters. Base64 is a reversible encoding with no key, so anyone can decode it instantly. It exists to move binary data safely through text-only channels, not to hide anything. Never use it to protect a secret.

What is URL-safe Base64?

A variant that replaces + with - and / with _, because the standard characters have special meaning in URLs. Padding with = is often dropped too. It is what JSON Web Tokens use.

Why does Base64 make data bigger?

It packs 3 bytes into 4 characters, so output is about 33% larger than the input, plus padding. That is the cost of restricting yourself to a safe character set.

Related tools