Practical guide
Base64 Encoding and Decoding: A Practical Guide
Base64 is a convenient way to represent binary data as text. It is useful in APIs, email, configuration files, and data URLs, but it is not encryption.
Open the free toolStep-by-step
- Paste text into the Base64 encoder.
- Select Encode to create a Base64 value.
- To reverse it, paste the Base64 value and select Decode.
- Check that decoded Unicode text displays correctly.
Important tips
- Never treat Base64 as a security feature.
- Keep the original character encoding consistent, usually UTF-8.
- Large files are better handled by dedicated file tools.
Frequently asked questions
Can Base64 be decrypted?
Base64 is decoded, not decrypted. Anyone can reverse it.
Why does decoded text look broken?
The original and decoded character encodings may not match. UTF-8 is the safest default.