How to Encode and Decode Base64

Base64 converts data into a text-safe sequence of letters, numbers, and symbols. Developers often use it when sending binary content through systems designed for plain text, such as JSON payloads, email attachments, and data URLs.

Base64 is not encryption

Base64 is encoding, not security. Anyone can decode a Base64 string. Never use it to protect passwords, API keys, or confidential information.

Encode or decode Base64 online

1. Open Casetivo's Base64 Encoder and Decoder.
2. Paste plain text to encode, or a Base64 string to decode.
3. Copy the output after checking it.

When should you use Base64?

Common uses include embedding small images in a data URL, transporting binary data through text-only channels, and inspecting encoded strings in logs. It increases the size of data, so it is not ideal for large files when a normal upload or binary transfer is available.

FAQ

Why does Base64 end with equals signs?

The = character is padding. It helps the encoded data fit Base64's required block length.

Can I decode Base64 to readable text?

Yes, if the original data was text. Binary files decode to binary data rather than readable sentences.