Base64 Decoder
Decode Base64 strings back to plain text or binary data
How to Use the Base64 Decoder
- Paste a Base64 string into the input field.
- Click Decode to convert back to plain text.
Supports both standard and URL-safe Base64 input. The decoder automatically handles missing padding and URL-safe character substitutions.
What is Base64 Decoding?
Base64 decoding reverses the encoding process, converting Base64-encoded ASCII text back to its original binary or text form. The decoder reads groups of 4 Base64 characters and converts them back to 3 bytes of original data.
Common Uses
- Inspecting JWT token payloads (header and payload are Base64URL-encoded)
- Decoding images or files embedded as data URIs
- Debugging API responses that contain Base64-encoded fields
- Reading Base64-encoded email attachments (MIME format)
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I get garbled output when decoding?
The original data was binary (like an image or compressed file), not plain text. Base64 can encode any binary data — if the original wasn't text, decoding to text will show garbled characters.
Can I decode a JWT with this tool?
Yes for the header and payload — split the JWT at the dots, take the first or second part, and decode it. The signature (third part) is a cryptographic hash and won't decode to readable text.
Is Base64 decoding safe to do online?
CipherKit runs 100 % in your browser — no data is sent to any server. It is safe to decode sensitive Base64 strings here.