Tools lab · Encoding
Free Base64 Encoder/Decoder
Encode and decode text or files using Base64.
Input
Paste text or Base64 string.
Designed for text and tokens. For large binaries, use a CLI or backend script.
Result
Output updates instantly after each run.
How this Base64 tool works
Step 1
Choose mode
Select whether you want to encode plain text to Base64 or decode a Base64 string back to text.
Step 2
Paste input
Paste your token, payload, or string into the input box and click “Run”.
Step 3
Use the result
Copy the output into your headers, config files, or debugging tools.
Frequently asked questions
What is Base64 encoding?
Base64 is a way to represent binary data as plain text using a limited alphabet, so the data can travel safely through systems that expect only text.
It does not encrypt or compress data; it simply recodes it so that bytes become readable characters that will not break headers, JSON, or form fields.
When should Base64 be used?
Base64 is useful when you need to embed binary data in places that only accept text, such as JSON payloads, data URIs, environment variables, or simple configuration files.
Common use cases include encoding small images, tokens, keys, or compact blobs of data that must pass through text‑only channels without corruption.
Is Base64 a form of encryption?
Base64 is not encryption and offers no real security on its own; anyone can decode it back to the original data with the same alphabet.
It should never be treated as a way to hide secrets; use proper encryption or secret‑management tools if you need to protect sensitive information.
Why do encoded strings get longer than the original?
The Base64 process groups raw bytes and maps them to safe text characters, which adds overhead and makes the encoded output larger than the original data.
This overhead is acceptable for small pieces of data, but for very large files it is usually better to transfer the binary directly rather than Base64‑encoding it.
What kinds of input does this tool support?
The tool is designed primarily for text input: tokens, JSON fragments, configuration snippets, and other string data that you want to encode or decode quickly.
While it may handle short binary snippets pasted as text, very large binaries are better processed with command‑line tools or backend scripts that stream data efficiently.
Why might decoding fail with an error?
Decoding can fail if the input is not valid Base64, includes characters outside the expected alphabet, or has been truncated or modified in transit.
If you see an error, check that you copied the entire string, including any padding at the end, and that the encoder and decoder both use standard Base64 rules.
Is it safe to paste secrets into this tool?
For environment‑specific use, you should only handle secrets over secure connections and on infrastructure you trust, because Base64 does not protect the underlying value.
Where possible, prefer local or in‑editor tools for highly sensitive keys and tokens, and avoid storing decoded secrets in logs, screenshots, or shared chat threads.