Free Base64 Encoder and Decoder Online: How to Use

Base64 encoding turns binary data or text into a safe ASCII string. It's used in data URLs, email attachments, API tokens, and many web and API workflows. Using a free online Base64 encoder and decoder is the fastest way to convert without installing anything.

What Is Base64?

Base64 is an encoding scheme that represents binary data using 64 printable ASCII characters. It's not encryption—encoded data can be decoded by anyone. It's useful when you need to embed or transmit data in formats that only support text.

When to Use a Base64 Encoder or Decoder

• Data URLs: Embed small images or files in HTML or CSS as data:image/png;base64,...
• APIs and auth: Some APIs expect Base64-encoded credentials or payloads
• Logs and debugging: Decode Base64 strings from logs or headers to see the actual content
• Email and attachments: Encode or decode MIME parts
• Config and env: Encode secrets or config for env vars or config files

How to Use an Online Base64 Tool

1. Encode: Paste plain text (or UTF-8 text) into the input box and run Encode. Copy the Base64 string from the output.
2. Decode: Paste a Base64 string and run Decode. You get the original text (or see an error if the input wasn’t valid Base64).
3. No account or install: Use the tool in your browser; many run entirely client-side so your data never leaves your device.

Look for a tool that supports both encode and decode, handles Unicode correctly, and shows clear errors for invalid input.

Try our Base64 Encode/Decode tool to encode or decode text and Base64 strings in your browser with no sign-up required.