Base64 Encode & Decode

Convert plain text or binary files into Base64 strings, or decode Base64 back to original readable text. Full UTF-8 & image preview support.

URL-Safe Base64

Input String0 chars • 0 B

Auto Mode

Shortcuts: Ctrl+Enter ConvertUTF-8 Encoding Supported

Output Result0 chars • 0 B

Size change: 0%Shortcut: Ctrl+Alt+C Copy

What is Base64 Encoding?

Base64 encoding is a method used to convert binary data into an ASCII string format by translating it into a radix-64 representation. It ensures that data remains intact without modification during transport across systems that typically only handle text data.

Developers commonly use Base64 to embed binary data in environments that require readable text. Frequent use cases include embedding images directly into HTML/CSS files as data URIs (reducing HTTP requests), safely transferring email attachments, and encoding JSON Web Tokens (JWT) for authentication. It prevents binary data from being corrupted when sent over text-based protocols.

When you use SnipTools to encode or decode Base64, your privacy is completely guaranteed. Our converter works locally in your browser. This means your sensitive tokens, text, and files are never sent to external servers, providing maximum security for your data.

How to Use the Online Base64 Converter

Follow these simple steps to encode or decode text and binary media.

Choose Mode

Select Auto Detect, Encode Text, Decode Base64, or File to Base64 from the top tabs.

Input Text or File

Type your raw text, paste a Base64 string, or drop an image file into the converter box.

Configure Options

Toggle URL-Safe Base64 mode if needed for web parameters and query strings.

Copy Result

Click Copy Result to instantly copy your encoded or decoded output with toast feedback.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions regarding Base64 encoding and security.

Q: What is Base64 encoding?

Base64 is a binary-to-text encoding scheme that represents binary data in an ASCII string format using 64 characters (A-Z, a-z, 0-9, +, and /). It is commonly used to transfer data over media designed for text.

Q: Is my data secure when converting text or files to Base64 on SnipTools?

Yes, 100%. All Base64 encoding and decoding operations happen locally within your browser using native Web APIs (TextEncoder, TextDecoder, FileReader). No text or uploaded file is transmitted over the internet.

Q: How do I convert an image or file to Base64?

Switch to the 'File to Base64' tab, upload or drag & drop your image or document, and SnipTools will generate both raw Base64 code and HTML/CSS Data URIs (`data:image/png;base64,...`) ready to use in your code.

Q: Does this Base64 tool support UTF-8 special characters and emojis?

Yes! Unlike basic JavaScript atob/btoa functions which fail on multi-byte characters, SnipTools uses UTF-8 TextEncoder and TextDecoder to ensure emojis, non-Latin scripts, and special characters encode and decode perfectly.