Tools · Encoding
Base64 Converter
Easily convert text to Base64 and vice versa in real-time. Base64 encoding represents binary data as ASCII text — decoding reverses the process. This tool handles UTF-8 text, URL-safe Base64, file encoding, and data URIs, all in your browser with zero server uploads.
All conversion runs in your browser — nothing is sent to any server.
What is Base64 and when do you need it?
Base64 converts arbitrary bytes into a string using only letters, digits, and two punctuation characters (+ and /). It is not encryption — anyone can decode it — but it lets you embed binary data inside text-only channels.
| Use case | Example |
|---|---|
| Minecraft server icon | 64×64 PNG returned as Base64 in status API responses |
| Data URIs in HTML/CSS | data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0… |
| JSON API payloads | Embedding small files or skin textures in JSON |
| JWT tokens | Header and payload segments use URL-safe Base64 |
| Email attachments | MIME encoding with 76-character line wrapping |
| Plugin configs | Some Bukkit plugins store binary data as Base64 in YAML |
Base64 and Minecraft server icons
When you check a server with our Server Status Checker, the response may include an icon field — a Base64-encoded PNG of the server's favicon. Paste that string into Decode mode here to view the image, or encode your own 64×64 PNG to embed it elsewhere.
Server list APIs, server.properties editors, and head/skin services all use Base64 to shuttle small binary blobs through text-based interfaces. This converter handles the round-trip without needing command-line tools like base64 or online paste sites that upload your data to unknown servers.
Frequently asked questions
Why does btoa() break on emoji and accented characters?
JavaScript's btoa() only accepts Latin-1. Characters outside that range throw an error. This tool encodes via UTF-8 bytes first, so any Unicode text — emoji, CJK, Cyrillic — works correctly.
Can I decode a Minecraft server icon from a status API?
Yes. Paste the raw Base64 string (without the data URI prefix) into Decode mode, or paste the full data:image/png;base64,… string — the prefix is stripped automatically and the image preview renders if it is a PNG.
Is Base64 the same as encryption?
No. Base64 is encoding, not encryption. It is fully reversible by anyone who has the string. Do not use it to hide passwords or secrets.