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Encode plain text to Base64 and decode Base64 strings side by side in your browser.
Encode or decode text without leaving the page
Paste plain text or Base64 text, switch modes, and compare the converted result side by side. The output stays read-only so you can copy it without accidentally editing the converted value.
Paste plain text here to generate a Base64 string.
Base64 output appears here as you type.
How to use the Base64 encoder
- Choose Encode when you want to turn plain text into a Base64 string, or choose Decode when you want to turn Base64 text back into readable text.
- Paste or type your source text into the input panel on the left side.
- Review the converted result in the read-only output panel on the right side.
- Use Copy Input or Copy Output when you need to move the current value into your app, docs, or request payload.
Base64 encoder examples
- Encode a plain text token or payload snippet before sending it to an API.
- Decode a Base64 string from logs, auth headers, or config values to inspect the readable text.
- Compare source text and converted output side by side before copying the final result.
- Switch from standard Base64 to URL-safe Base64 when you need a value that works better in query strings or tokens.
What this Base64 encoder does
This tool converts text between plain text and standard Base64 in a side-by-side workflow. Instead of forcing you to submit a form and jump to a separate result card, it keeps the source text and converted output visible together so you can compare both states while you work.
That makes it useful for debugging API payloads, checking encoded tokens, preparing test values, and quickly inspecting Base64 strings copied from developer tools or documentation.
When to encode and when to decode Base64
Use Encode when you have readable text and need the Base64 version for transport, storage, or compatibility with another system. Use Decode when you already have Base64 text and want to inspect the underlying readable content.
The tool updates the result as you type, so you can switch modes and confirm the output without leaving the current page.
Base64 vs Base64URL
Standard Base64 uses characters such as plus, slash, and optional padding with equals signs. Base64URL is a URL-safe variation that replaces certain characters so the encoded value works better inside URLs, query strings, and token-like identifiers.
If you are working with JWT segments, signed links, or values that travel through URLs, the URL-safe variant is often the better fit. If you are copying data into systems that expect ordinary Base64, the standard variant is usually the correct choice.
Base64 is encoding, not encryption
Base64 changes how data is represented, but it does not protect the content. Anyone with the encoded string can decode it back into readable text if the original content was plain text.
That is why Base64 is useful for transport and compatibility, not for secrecy. It helps move data through systems that expect text-safe formats, but it should not be treated as a security layer.
Base64 encoder FAQs
Does this tool support both Base64 encoding and decoding?
Yes. You can switch between Encode and Decode modes inside the same side-by-side workspace.
Does the output update automatically?
Yes. The output panel updates live as the input changes or when you switch between encode and decode modes.
What happens if the Base64 input is invalid?
The output panel shows an invalid state instead of pretending that decoding succeeded, so you can correct the input before copying anything.
Why does Base64 output end with =?
The equals sign is padding. It helps align the encoded output to the required Base64 block length. Some contexts keep padding, while others remove it.
When should I use Base64URL instead of standard Base64?
Use Base64URL when the encoded value needs to appear inside URLs, query strings, or token-style strings where plus and slash characters may cause problems.
Why does Base64 decoding fail for copied text?
Decoding often fails because the input was truncated, contains invalid characters, mixes standard Base64 with URL-safe Base64, or includes text that is not actually Base64 at all.