Base64 & URL Encoder / Decoder
Encode and decode text, query parameters, URLs, and image files to Base64 & Data URIs instantly in your browser.
The Ultimate Guide to Base64 & URL Encoding
Base64 encoding and URL percent-encoding are fundamental web technologies used to transfer binary files, image Data URIs, API tokens, and specialized query parameters safely across text-based network protocols like HTTP, JSON APIs, and SMTP emails.
How to Use
- Select Mode: Choose Base64 Text, Base64 Image File, or URL Encoder/Decoder.
- Toggle Operation: Switch between Encode and Decode modes.
- Paste or Upload: Insert text/URL or browse a local image file.
- Copy Output: Instantly copy encoded string or Data URI with 1-click.
100% Private Browser Operations
All encoding, decoding, and file conversions occur inside client-side browser memory. Zero files or text payloads are sent over external networks.
Base64 vs URL Encoding Comparison
Base64 Encoding
Converts 8-bit binary data into 64 printable ASCII characters (A-Z, a-z, 0-9, +, /) with padding (=).
URL Percent-Encoding
Replaces unsafe URL characters (spaces, ?, &, #) with % followed by two hexadecimal digits (e.g. space = %20).
HTML Data URIs
Embed small inline images directly inside CSS or HTML code without extra HTTP requests: data:image/png;base64,....
JWT & Basic Auth Headers
HTTP Authorization headers use Base64 to format username:password credentials (e.g. Authorization: Basic ...).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Base64 secure for sensitive passwords?
No! Base64 is an encoding scheme, not encryption. Anyone can decode a Base64 string instantly. Never use Base64 alone for storing or transmitting sensitive passwords without strong encryption (like AES or TLS/HTTPS).
Why is URL encoding necessary?
URLs can only contain a limited set of unreserved characters from the US-ASCII character set. Reserved characters like spaces, question marks, and ampersands must be encoded so web servers parse query string parameters correctly.