Developer tools
Base64 Encoder and Decoder
Encode text (UTF-8, Arabic, emoji) or a file to Base64, decode it to text or a downloadable file, with URL-safe variant, no padding, MIME line breaks and data: prefix.
How to use this tool
- 1
Choose Encode or Decode, then the source (text or file) when encoding.
- 2
Type, paste or drop your content; set URL-safe, padding, line wrapping or the data: prefix if needed.
- 3
Read the result, copy it, or download the decoded text or file.
Help
- Text is converted to UTF-8 before encoding: accents, Arabic and emoji round-trip without corruption, unlike a bare btoa.
- When decoding, both alphabets (standard and URL-safe), the presence or absence of “=”, line breaks and a data:… prefix are accepted automatically.
- If the decoded bytes are not text, the tool detects the type (PNG, JPEG, PDF, ZIP…), previews images and offers the file for download.
- Files are capped at 24 MB: Base64 is a third larger and anything bigger would slow the tab down. The displayed result is truncated but copy and download are complete.
- Base64 is not encryption: it protects nothing, it only makes bytes printable. Everything runs in your browser.
Related guide : Base64, URL encoding and JWT tokens: understand and decode
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between standard and URL-safe Base64?
The standard alphabet uses + and /, which mean something in a URL. The URL-safe variant (RFC 4648 §5) replaces them with - and _, and often drops the “=” padding. JWTs use it.
Why is my Base64 rejected?
Common causes: a stray character (non-breaking space, quote), a mix of both alphabets, an impossible length or a misplaced “=”. The tool names the problem precisely.
Can Base64 hide data?
No. Anyone can decode it in a second. To protect content, use real encryption.
Written and verified by the MaxyTools team · Updated on
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