Base64 Encode and Decode
Encode text to Base64 and decode Base64 to text online. Accents and emoji are handled correctly as UTF-8, and you can also produce URL-safe Base64, the variant used in JWTs and URL parameters.
Result
SGVsbG8sIHdvcmxkISBCYXNlNjQgZW5jb2Rpbmcgd2l0aCBlbW9qaSDinJM=
What is Base64?
Base64 represents binary data using only 64 text-safe characters: uppercase and lowercase letters, digits, + and /, with = as padding. It is used to embed files and images in JSON, in email attachments (MIME), in data URIs and in the HTTP Basic authentication header.
How to encode or decode Base64
- Choose whether to encode (text → Base64) or decode (Base64 → text).
- Paste or type your content. The result updates as you type.
- Turn on URL-safe mode if the value goes into a URL, a file name or a JWT.
- Click Copy to send the result to your clipboard.
Base64 examples
UtiliTools→VXRpbGlUb29scw==user:password→dXNlcjpwYXNzd29yZA==(the HTTP Basic Auth format)café→Y2Fmw6k=(accented letters take more than one byte in UTF-8)
Base64 is not encryption
Anyone can decode a Base64 string, because there is no key or password involved. It is meant for transporting data, not protecting it. To store passwords, use a hash such as SHA-256 or, better, a dedicated password algorithm such as bcrypt or Argon2.
Frequently asked questions
How do I decode Base64?
Choose Decode, paste the Base64 string and the original text appears instantly. URL-safe Base64 with - and _ is accepted too.
Is Base64 encryption?
No. Base64 is just an encoding, and anyone can decode it without a key. Never use it to protect passwords or sensitive data.
Why does Base64 end with =?
The equals sign is padding. Base64 encodes groups of 3 bytes, and when the input does not fill the last group, one or two = signs are added.
What is URL-safe Base64?
A variant that replaces + with - and / with _, and drops the = padding, so the value can be used in URLs and file names without escaping. JWTs use it.
How much bigger does Base64 make data?
About 33%. Every 3 input bytes become 4 Base64 characters.