🔡 Developer Tools

Base64 Encode / Decode

Convert text, images and files to and from Base64 — instantly and privately in your browser.

Base64
Overview

Base64: encode text, images and files both ways

Base64 is a way of representing any binary data — an image, a file, raw bytes — using only 64 safe text characters, so it can travel through places that only accept text: JSON payloads, data URLs, email attachments, config files. This tool converts in both directions: type or paste text to get its Base64, decode Base64 back to text, turn an image or file into a Base64 data URL you can paste straight into CSS or HTML, and decode a Base64 string back into a downloadable file.

Everything runs locally in your browser, so even large images or sensitive files never leave your device. The text mode is fully Unicode-aware (emoji and accented characters encode correctly), and the file mode shows a live preview for images.

100% freeNo sign-upText, image & fileRuns in your browser
How to use it
  1. 1For text, choose Text → Base64 or Base64 → Text and type or paste.
  2. 2For an image or file, open the Image / File tab and choose a file to get its Base64 data URL.
  3. 3To turn Base64 back into a file, paste it into the lower box and press Download.
  4. 4Use Copy to grab any result.
Key features
  • Encode and decode text with full Unicode (emoji, accents) support
  • Convert any image or file to a Base64 data URL with a preview
  • Decode a Base64 string or data URL back into a downloadable file
  • One-click copy for every result
  • Handles data: URLs and raw Base64
  • 100% client-side — your data never leaves your device

Frequently asked questions

What is a Base64 data URL?
A data URL embeds a file's Base64 directly in a link, like data:image/png;base64,.... You can paste it into an <img src> or CSS background to include an image without a separate file.
Does Base64 make files bigger?
Yes — Base64 increases size by about 33%, because it uses 4 characters for every 3 bytes. It is for compatibility, not compression. Only inline small assets as Base64.
Is Base64 encryption?
No. Base64 is encoding, not encryption — it is fully reversible by anyone and provides no security. Never use it to hide sensitive data.
Is my file uploaded?
No. All encoding and decoding happens in your browser; nothing is sent to a server.
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Full guide

What Is Base64? Encoding, Data URLs & When to Use It

How Base64 works, why it exists, the 33% size cost, and when to inline assets as data URLs versus linking files.

How Base64 worksData URLs in HTML & CSSWhen (not) to use it

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