Base64 Encoder / Decoder — Text, Image & File Online
Text · Image · File — URL-safe mode · auto-detect · live image preview — 100% browser-side
Paste text → get Base64
Real-time · No button click · 200ms debounce
Base64 encoding converts binary data into 64 safe ASCII characters so it can be safely transmitted through text-only channels like JSON APIs, email, and HTML attributes. This tool encodes/decodes text, images (JPG, PNG, GIF, WebP), and any file — with URL-safe Base64URL mode, auto-detection, and live image preview. 100% browser-side.
What is Base64 Encoding?
Base64 encoding converts binary data into a string of 64 safe ASCII characters — A–Z, a–z, 0–9, +, and /. It is the standard way to embed binary content (images, files, certificates) inside JSON, XML, HTML, and email without breaking the format. The encoded output is ~33% larger than the original.
Standard vs URL-Safe Base64
Standard Base64 uses + and / which have special meaning in URLs. URL-safe Base64 (Base64URL) replaces +→- and /→_ and removes = padding. Use URL-safe mode for JWT tokens, OAuth tokens, and URL query parameters.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Base64 encoding and where is it used?
Base64 encoding converts binary data into 64 safe ASCII characters (A–Z, a–z, 0–9, +, /). It is used to embed images in HTML/CSS, send binary files over JSON APIs, store file data in databases, and pass data through systems that only handle text. It increases size by ~33%.
How do I encode text to Base64 online?
Simply type or paste your text into the left panel — encoding happens automatically in real-time. Switch to Decode direction to reverse the process. The URL updates so you can share the encoded/decoded result with anyone.
Is this Base64 tool safe to use for sensitive data?
Yes for encoding — everything runs in your browser. No data is sent to any server. However, Base64 is not encryption — it is just encoding. Anyone can decode it. Never use Base64 to protect passwords or secrets. Use AES or bcrypt for security.
What is the difference between Base64 and Base64URL?
Standard Base64 uses + and / which break URLs. URL-safe Base64 (Base64URL) replaces them with - and _ and drops the = padding. Use URL-safe mode for JWT tokens, OAuth access tokens, and any data embedded in URLs or filenames.
Can I encode an image to Base64 here?
Yes — switch to the Image tab, upload any JPG, PNG, GIF, or WebP (max 5 MB). The tool shows the data URI instantly. Copy it for use in HTML img src, CSS background-image, or JSON payloads. Your image never leaves your browser.