Base64 Encoder & Decoder
Encode text to Base64 or decode Base64 back to readable text instantly in your browser.
Free Online Base64 Encoder and Decoder
Utivaro's Base64 Encoder & Decoder lets you convert text to Base64 or decode Base64 back into readable text directly in your browser.
No account, registration or software installation is required.
How to Encode Text to Base64
- Enter or paste text into the input box.
- Select Encode to Base64.
- The encoded Base64 value will appear in the result box.
- Use Copy Result to copy the encoded value.
How to Decode Base64
- Paste a Base64 string into the input box.
- Select Decode Base64.
- The decoded text will appear in the result box.
What Is Base64?
Base64 is a method of representing data using a limited set of text characters. It is commonly used when data needs to be transported or stored in text-based formats.
Developers may encounter Base64 in APIs, data URLs, email systems, configuration files and other software applications.
Base64 Encoding Example
For example, the text Hello becomes:
SGVsbG8=
Decoding
SGVsbG8=
returns the original text:
Hello.
Is Base64 Encryption?
No. Base64 is encoding, not encryption.
Base64 data can normally be decoded easily, so it should not be used to protect passwords, confidential information or other sensitive data.
Does It Support Unicode Text?
Yes. This tool uses UTF-8 conversion so it can encode and decode Unicode text, including many non-English characters.
Private Browser-Based Processing
The Base64 conversion is performed locally by JavaScript in your browser.
The tool does not need to send your input to a Utivaro server to perform the encode or decode operation.
Try a short round trip
Enter Hello and select Encode. The result is SGVsbG8=. Put that result in the input and select Decode to get Hello back. The final equals sign is padding in this example, so keep it when copying.
Encoding does not protect a secret
Base64 represents bytes as text; anyone with the encoded value can decode it. Use it to inspect text payloads, not to hide credentials. This tool uses UTF-8, allowing Arabic and other non-ASCII text to make the round trip.
The encoded representation is usually longer than the input. This is a text encoder and decoder, not a binary file converter or Base64URL/JWT inspector. If the decoded text is JSON, use the JSON Formatter to check its syntax.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Base64 used for?
Base64 is commonly used to represent data in systems that work primarily with text. Examples can include APIs, emails, data URLs and software configuration.
How do I encode text to Base64?
Enter your text into the input box and select Encode to Base64.
How do I decode a Base64 string?
Paste the Base64 value into the input box and select Decode Base64.
Is Base64 secure?
Base64 should not be treated as a security mechanism because encoded data can easily be decoded.
Is this Base64 tool free?
Yes. The Utivaro Base64 Encoder & Decoder is free and requires no signup.
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How much bigger Base64 makes data
Every 3 bytes become 4 characters, so output is about a third larger than the input.
| Original | Base64 length | Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Hello (5 bytes) | 8 characters | +60% (padding on short input) |
| 1 KB | 1,368 characters | +33.6% |
| 100 KB | 136,536 characters | +33.3% |
| 1 MB | 1,398,104 characters | +33.3% |
Email attachments add line breaks on top, so a file grows about 37%. Standard Base64 uses + and /; the URL-safe variant used in JWTs uses - and _ instead. More in What Is Base64?