11 / base64-encoder
free online tool
Base64 Encoder / Decoder
Encode text or files to Base64, or decode Base64 strings instantly.
how to use
- 01
Paste your text or Base64 string into the input.
- 02
Click 'Encode' to convert to Base64, or 'Decode' to reverse.
- 03
Copy the result with the Copy button.
about
What is this tool?
Base64 is an encoding scheme that converts binary data into a text string using 64 printable ASCII characters. It's widely used for embedding images in HTML/CSS, encoding email attachments, and transmitting binary data in JSON APIs. This tool uses the browser's native btoa() and atob() functions.
why use this tool
- -Embed images as data URLs in CSS or HTML.
- -Decode Base64 strings from API responses or JWT payloads.
- -No server — safe for sensitive strings.
- -Handles standard and URL-safe Base64.
features
- -Text to Base64 encoding (btoa).
- -Base64 to text decoding (atob).
- -Handles Unicode characters.
- -One-click clipboard copy.
comparison
Base64 Encoding vs Other Schemes
| Scheme | Output Size | Use Case | Security |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base64 | +33% larger | Data URIs, API payloads, JWT | None — anyone can decode |
| Hex encoding | +100% larger | Binary debugging, checksums | None |
| URL encoding | Variable | Query parameters, form data | None |
| Encryption (AES) | Variable | Hiding sensitive data | Strong — requires key |
All processing happens entirely in your browser using JavaScript. No files, text, or data are ever sent to a server. Your data stays on your device.
✦ tip from dragontail
One pattern I use constantly at Dragontail: when embedding a small icon SVG directly into CSS as a background-image, convert it to Base64 and use it as a data URI. This eliminates one network request entirely. Just keep the source SVG in your repo — you'll want to edit that, not the Base64 version.
faq
Is Base64 a form of encryption?
No. Base64 is encoding, not encryption. Anyone can decode it. Do not use it to hide sensitive data.
What is the difference between standard and URL-safe Base64?
URL-safe Base64 replaces + with - and / with _ to avoid conflicts in URLs and filenames.
Can I encode images?
For binary files like images, you would need to convert them to binary first. This tool handles text-based Base64 encoding.