About this tool
A Base64 encode tool converts readable text or file bytes into a portable text representation, and decodes that representation again. Use UTF-8 text mode for words, accents, and emoji, or choose a file when you need Base64 content or a complete data URL. Decoded file data can be saved as a downloadable file.
Encoding and decoding happen entirely in your browser, so your text and files are never uploaded and nothing remains after the tab closes. Standard Base64 uses plus signs, slashes, and optional padding. URL-safe mode substitutes hyphens and underscores and removes padding, making the result easier to place in URLs and filenames.
How to use the Base64 Encode/Decode
- 1Choose text or file mode for the source you have.
- 2Enter UTF-8 text or select the local file to process.
- 3Select standard Base64, URL-safe Base64, or data URL output.
- 4Run Encode or Decode and inspect the resulting text or file.
- 5Copy encoded text or download the reconstructed decoded file.
Features
UTF-8 text handling
Encode and decode accents, emoji, and other Unicode text without losing characters.
URL-safe alphabet option
Use hyphens and underscores without padding for URL-friendly Base64 output.
File data encoding
Turn local file bytes into plain Base64 text or a complete data URL.
Decoded file downloads
Rebuild a downloadable file from valid Base64 text or an included data URL.
Frequently asked questions
Why does Base64 make a file larger?
Base64 represents binary data with text characters, which adds overhead. It is intended for transport and embedding, not compression.
What is different about URL-safe Base64?
It replaces plus and slash with hyphen and underscore, and omits padding. Those characters are less troublesome inside a URL.
Can I decode a data URL into its original file?
Yes. Paste the data URL, decode it, and download the reconstructed bytes as a file.
Will emoji and accented text survive encoding?
Yes. Text is handled as UTF-8, so Unicode characters round-trip when the Base64 input is valid.
Is a selected file uploaded for Base64 conversion?
No. The browser reads and converts it locally, and the page does not retain the file after the tab closes.