Base64 is a way to represent binary data — like an image or any bytes — using only 64 plain text characters (A–Z, a–z, 0–9, + and /). It is not encryption; it is an encoding that lets binary data travel safely through systems built for text, such as URLs, JSON, emails and HTML. To encode or decode Base64, paste your text or file into a Base64 tool and read the result. Here is how it works and when to use it.
Pick Encode to turn text into Base64, or Decode to turn Base64 back into text.
Type or paste your text, or load a file to get its Base64 / data URI.
Toggle URL-safe to swap + and / for - and _ and drop padding, for use in URLs and tokens.
The output updates live — copy the encoded or decoded value in one click.
When should you use Base64?
Use Base64 to embed small images in CSS or HTML (data URIs), to put binary data inside JSON or XML, to send attachments in email (MIME), and to carry tokens in URLs. It makes data safe to transmit through text-only channels — it does not make it secure.
Is Base64 encryption?
No. Base64 is reversible by anyone with a Base64 decoder, so it provides no security. If you need to protect data, use real encryption or hashing — see our hash generator for MD5/SHA. Base64 is purely about safe representation, not secrecy.
What is URL-safe Base64?
Standard Base64 uses + and /, which have special meaning in URLs, and = for padding. URL-safe Base64 replaces them with - and _ and removes padding, so the value can sit inside a query string or a JWT without breaking. The Base64 tool supports both.
Tip: Base64 increases size by about 33%. For large files prefer a real upload; reserve data-URI Base64 for small icons and inline assets.
Encode or decode Base64 now
Convert text and files to and from Base64, with a URL-safe option — free, in your browser.
Open the Base64 tool →Frequently Asked Questions
What is Base64 used for?
Carrying binary data through text-only systems — embedding images in HTML/CSS, putting binary in JSON, email attachments, and tokens in URLs.
Is Base64 secure or encrypted?
No. It is fully reversible and provides no security. Use encryption or hashing if you need to protect data.
How do I decode Base64?
Paste the Base64 string into a decoder. UTF-8 text and URL-safe input are handled automatically.
Are my files uploaded?
No — encoding and decoding happen in your browser, so nothing is sent to a server.