Encode text to Base64 or decode Base64 back to text.
Processed locally — your data is never uploaded.
What is Base64 encoding and how do you decode it?
Base64 represents binary data as 64 printable characters, encoding via UTF-8 bytes so emoji and accents survive the round trip. It is for safe transport of data through text-only channels — it is encoding, not encryption, and adds no security. For example, "Toolzio" encodes to "VG9vbHppbw==", which decodes back to "Toolzio".
Understanding your result
Base64 is for safe transport of data through text-only channels — it is encoding, not encryption, and adds no security.
Formula and method
Base64 represents binary data as 64 printable characters. Toolzio encodes via UTF-8 bytes so emoji and accents survive the round trip.
Assumptions and limitations
Base64 is an encoding, not encryption, so it offers no security or privacy for the underlying data — anyone can decode it. It also increases size by roughly a third. The tool handles text via UTF-8; it is not aimed at encoding large binary files.
Worked example
“Toolzio” encodes to “VG9vbHppbw==”, which decodes back to “Toolzio”.
How to use this tool
- Choose Encode or Decode.
- Paste your input.
- Copy the result.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Treating Base64 as encryption — it is easily reversible.
- Decoding text that is not valid Base64.
About the Base64 Encoder / Decoder
Encode any text to Base64, or decode Base64 back to readable text. UTF-8 characters are fully supported.
Who should use this tool
Developers embedding small assets in data URIs, engineers building or reading HTTP Basic Auth headers, and anyone handling API tokens or email attachments that must travel through text-only channels. Also useful for quickly inspecting a Base64 string pasted from a JWT or configuration value.
Benefits
- Round-trips UTF-8 text so emoji and accents survive intact
- Decodes any Base64 string back to readable text instantly
- Handy for building data URIs and Basic Auth values
- Processes everything locally, so tokens never leave your device
Practical use cases
- Decoding a Base64 segment of a JWT to inspect it
- Encoding a small image into a data URI
- Building an HTTP Basic Authorization header value
- Checking a Base64 config string pasted from a file
Explore all Developer Tools tools
Frequently asked questions
Does it support Unicode?
Yes. Encoding and decoding use UTF-8, so international characters and emoji work correctly.
Why does Base64 make my data larger?
Base64 represents every three bytes of input using four printable characters, so the encoded output is about 33% larger than the original. Padding with equals signs can add a byte or two more. This size cost is the trade-off for safe transport through text-only channels.
Is Base64 the same as encryption?
No. Base64 is a reversible encoding that anyone can decode without a key, so it provides zero confidentiality. It exists to move binary data safely through systems that expect text, such as email or URLs. Never use it to hide passwords or secrets.