Base64 · text, images and files

Base64 encode and decode

Paste Base64 from an API response, an email header or a config file and read it instantly, or turn your own text into Base64. Spaces, line breaks and missing = padding are handled for you. Need an image inside HTML or CSS? Drop it in to get a ready data URI, or paste one to get the file back.

How to use the tool

  1. 1

    Paste the Base64

    Put it in the Base64 box. Line breaks from emails or PEM files are ignored, and missing = at the end is fine.

  2. 2

    Read the text

    The decoded text appears on the other side. If the bytes are a file rather than text, you are told to use Base64 → file.

  3. 3

    Encode your own text

    Type in the Text box to get Base64 back. Hindi, Tamil, emoji and symbols all survive the round trip.

  4. 4

    Work with images

    Drop an image into File → Base64 and copy the data URI, or paste a data URI into Base64 → file to download it.

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Base64 about a third larger than the original?

Base64 writes every 3 bytes as 4 characters, so the text is about 33% bigger than the data. That is why it suits small icons and short strings. Large images are better served as normal files.

What does the = at the end mean?

It is padding that makes the length a multiple of 4. One = means the last group had 2 bytes, two == mean it had 1. Many systems leave it out, and this decoder adds it back when missing.

How do I use a data URI in HTML or CSS?

Copy the data URI and put it where a file URL would go, for example <img src="data:image/png;base64,…"> or background-image: url("data:…"). It saves one request for small images.

Why do I get “decodes to binary data, not readable text”?

The Base64 holds a file, such as an image or PDF, rather than text. Paste it into Base64 → file instead. The tool detects PNG, JPG, GIF, WebP, PDF and ZIP from the first bytes and saves it with the right extension.