Guide
Base64 encode text online
Base64 encodes binary data as ASCII text—common in APIs, data URLs, and config snippets. Encode or decode strings in the browser; remember encoding is not encryption.
Encode vs decode workflow
Encode when sending binary-safe text in JSON or headers. Decode when inspecting tokens or debugging payloads—never paste production secrets into shared machines.
Unicode and padding
UTF-8 text encodes cleanly; emoji and non-Latin scripts expand byte length. Padding characters (=) appear at the end—some APIs strip them; know your consumer’s rules.
Security reminder
Anyone can decode Base64. For passwords and API keys, use proper secret managers and TLS—not encoding alone.
FAQ
Is Base64 encryption?
No. It is an encoding scheme. Treat encoded secrets as exposed if leaked.
Why is my output longer?
Base64 expands data by roughly 33% due to how bits map to printable characters.
Can I encode files?
This page focuses on text. For large files, use dedicated CLI base64 or streaming tools.
URL-safe Base64?
URL-safe variants swap +/ for -_. Confirm which variant your API expects before shipping.