Base64 represents data as a string of safe ASCII characters. It's how binary data rides safely through systems built for text, email attachments, data URIs, tokens and more.
When Base64 is used
- Data URIs, embedding small images directly in HTML/CSS.
- Email attachments, encoding files for transport.
- API tokens & auth, e.g. Basic Auth headers.
- Storing binary in text-only fields.
How to encode or decode (step by step)
- Open the Base64 tool and paste your text or Base64.
- Click Encode to convert to Base64, or Decode to reverse it.
- Copy the result.
Note: Base64 is encoding, not encryption. Anyone can decode it, never use it to hide secrets. For fingerprints or integrity, use the Hash Generator.
Unicode and emoji
A good encoder handles full Unicode, so accents and emoji survive the round trip intact, not all naive implementations do.
🔁 Try the Base64 Encode/Decode
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Open the Base64 Encode/Decode →Frequently asked questions
How do I encode text to Base64?
Paste your text and click Encode. To go the other way, paste Base64 and click Decode.
Does it support emoji and accents?
Yes. It encodes and decodes full Unicode, so emoji and accented characters survive the round trip.
What is Base64 used for?
It represents binary or text data as ASCII, common in data URIs, API tokens and email attachments.
Is my input kept private?
Yes. Encoding and decoding run entirely in your browser.