Base64 Encoder
Encode text or a file to Base64, with correct Unicode support.
This Base64 Encoder converts text or an uploaded file into Base64, the encoding commonly used to safely embed binary-like data in text formats such as JSON, URLs, or email. It correctly handles Unicode text and arbitrary binary files alike, reading a file's raw bytes rather than treating it as text. The result updates instantly, entirely in your browser.
How to use
- 1Type or paste text into the input, or upload a file (of any type) using the upload area above it.
- 2The Base64-encoded result updates automatically.
Frequently asked questions
What is Base64 encoding?
Base64 is a way of representing binary or text data using only 64 printable characters (A-Z, a-z, 0-9, +, /), so it can be safely embedded in contexts that expect plain text, like JSON strings, URLs, or email bodies.
What is Base64 encoding used for?
Common uses include embedding small images directly in CSS/HTML (data URIs), including binary attachments in email, storing credentials or tokens in config files, and passing data through systems that only handle text safely.
Does this handle non-English characters correctly?
Yes — text is UTF-8 encoded before Base64 conversion, so accented letters, non-Latin scripts, and emoji round-trip correctly instead of getting corrupted, a common bug in naive Base64 implementations.
Can I encode a file, like an image, not just typed text?
Yes — upload any file using the upload area and its raw bytes are Base64-encoded directly, without being misread as text first, so binary files like images encode correctly rather than getting corrupted.
Is Base64 the same as encryption?
No — Base64 is an encoding, not encryption. Anyone can decode it instantly with no key or password; it provides no confidentiality at all, only a text-safe representation.