Encode text or binary data to Base64 string, or decode Base64 back to plain text online for free. Useful for JWT, data URIs, and API payloads. Free.
Select "Decode" at tools.arkaserve.com/base64, paste your Base64 string (it typically ends with = or == padding), and the decoded text appears instantly. This is useful for inspecting JWT token payloads, decoding API responses, or reading Base64-encoded data from logs or config files. Completely free, no signup.
Base64 is used to embed binary data as text in places that only accept ASCII: embedding images as data URIs in HTML/CSS (src="data:image/png;base64,..."), encoding HTTP Basic Auth credentials (Authorization: Basic <base64>), storing binary data in JSON API payloads, encoding attachments in email MIME format, and reading JWT token payloads (the middle section of a JWT is Base64url-encoded JSON).
No — Base64 is encoding, not encryption. Anyone can decode a Base64 string instantly without any key. It is designed for safe text transmission of binary data, not for security. Never use Base64 to "hide" passwords, API keys, or sensitive data — it provides zero security. For encryption, use AES or RSA. For password storage, use bcrypt or argon2.