Text Encoder / Decoder
Encode and decode text using various encoding methods including Base64, URL, HTML, Unicode, Binary, and more
Encoding Types Quick Reference
Base64Common
Encodes binary data in ASCII text. Widely used for email attachments and data URLs.
URL EncodingWeb
Percent-encoding for safe transmission in URLs. Converts special characters to %XX format.
HTML Entities
Converts special characters to HTML entities (<, >, &, etc.) for safe HTML display.
Unicode Escape
Represents Unicode characters as \uXXXX escape sequences for programming languages.
Binary
Represents text as binary digits (0s and 1s). Each character becomes 8 bits.
Hexadecimal
Represents text as hexadecimal digits (0-9, A-F). Each character becomes 2 hex digits.
Base32
Alternative to Base64, uses 32 characters. More human-readable, used in some authentication systems.
Morse CodeFun
International Morse code using dots (.) and dashes (-). Historical telegraph encoding.
Common Use Cases
Web Development
- • Base64: Embed images in CSS/HTML
- • URL Encoding: Safe query parameters
- • HTML Entities: Prevent XSS attacks
Data Processing
- • Binary: Low-level data representation
- • Hex: Debugging and data analysis
- • Unicode: International character handling
API & Integration
- • Base64: API authentication tokens
- • Base32: TOTP authentication codes
- • URL Encoding: REST API parameters
Education & Fun
- • Morse Code: Learning telegraphy
- • Binary: Understanding computers
- • Hex: Programming and debugging
How to Use Text Encoder/Decoder
Choose Mode & Encoding
Select whether to encode or decode, then choose the encoding type (Base64, URL, HTML, etc.).
Enter Your Text
Paste or type your text in the input area. For decoding, enter the encoded text in the correct format.
Process & Copy Result
Click encode/decode to process your text. Copy the result or download it as a text file.
Supported Encoding Methods
Comprehensive guide to different text encoding formats and their applications
Base64 Encoding
Converts binary data to ASCII text using 64 characters (A-Z, a-z, 0-9, +, /).
Use cases: Email attachments, data URLs, API tokens
Example: "Hello" → "SGVsbG8="
URL Encoding
Percent-encoding for safe transmission in URLs. Special characters become %XX format.
Use cases: Query parameters, form data, REST APIs
Example: "Hello World" → "Hello%20World"
HTML Entities
Converts special characters to HTML entities for safe display in web pages.
Use cases: Prevent XSS, display HTML code, XML
Example: "<script>" → "<script>"
Unicode Escape
Represents Unicode characters as \uXXXX escape sequences.
Use cases: JavaScript strings, JSON, programming
Example: "café" → "caf\\u00e9"
Binary Representation
Converts text to binary (base-2) format using 0s and 1s.
Use cases: Computer science education, debugging
Example: "A" → "01000001"
Hexadecimal
Represents text as hexadecimal digits (0-9, A-F).
Use cases: Programming, color codes, debugging
Example: "Hello" → "48656c6c6f"
Base32 Encoding
Uses 32 characters, more human-readable than Base64.
Use cases: TOTP codes, case-insensitive systems
Example: "Hello" → "JBSWY3DP"
Morse Code
International Morse code using dots and dashes.
Use cases: Education, amateur radio, puzzles
Example: "SOS" → "... --- ..."
Practical Applications by Industry
Web Development
- • Base64: Inline images in CSS, data URIs
- • URL Encoding: Query parameters, form submissions
- • HTML Entities: Displaying code, preventing XSS
- • Unicode: Internationalization, special characters
API Development
- • Base64: Authentication tokens, file uploads
- • URL Encoding: REST API parameters
- • Hex: Webhook signatures, cryptographic hashes
- • Base32: TOTP authentication codes
Data Processing
- • Binary: Low-level data analysis
- • Hex: File format analysis, debugging
- • Base64: Data serialization, email encoding
- • Unicode: Text processing, internationalization
Security & Cryptography
- • Base64: JWT tokens, API keys
- • Hex: Hash outputs, cryptographic keys
- • URL Encoding: Safe parameter transmission
- • HTML Entities: XSS prevention
Education & Learning
- • Binary: Computer science fundamentals
- • Morse Code: Communication history
- • Hex: Programming concepts
- • Base64: Data encoding principles
System Administration
- • Base64: Configuration files, credentials
- • URL Encoding: Log analysis, web server configs
- • Hex: System debugging, file analysis
- • Unicode: Internationalized systems
Security Considerations
Important security aspects when working with text encoding
Security Warnings
- • Base64 is not encryption - It's easily reversible and provides no security
- • URL encoding doesn't prevent injection - Always validate and sanitize input
- • HTML entities prevent XSS - But don't rely solely on client-side encoding
- • Never encode passwords - Use proper hashing algorithms instead
Best Practices
- • Validate input - Always validate before and after encoding/decoding
- • Use HTTPS - Protect encoded data in transit
- • Server-side validation - Never trust client-side encoding alone
- • Proper error handling - Don't expose system information in error messages
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between encoding and encryption?
Encoding transforms data for compatibility (like Base64), while encryption transforms data for security. Encoding is easily reversible, encryption requires a key.
Why use Base64 encoding?
Base64 converts binary data to text format, making it safe for transmission over text-based protocols like email, HTTP, and JSON APIs.
When should I use URL encoding?
Use URL encoding when including special characters in URLs, query parameters, or form data. It ensures characters like spaces and symbols are safely transmitted.
Is Base64 secure for sensitive data?
No, Base64 is not encryption and provides no security. It's easily decoded. Never use Base64 alone for sensitive data - use proper encryption instead.
Encoding Features
Today's Stats
Pro Tips
URL Parameters: Always URL-encode query parameters to handle spaces and special characters properly.
HTML Safety: Use HTML entity encoding to safely display user-generated content and prevent XSS attacks.
Base64 Padding: Proper Base64 strings end with = or == for padding. Missing padding may cause decode errors.