Text Encoder & Decoder - Base64, URL, MD5, SHA-256 Converter
Professional string transformations, hashing, and encoding utilities for developers
Input
Output
Operation Mode
Settings
Transform text with encoding, decoding, and hashing operations. Support for URL encoding/decoding, Base64 encoding/decoding, and cryptographic hashing with MD5 and SHA-256. Perfect for developers, security professionals, and data processing tasks.
How to Use Encode & Decode Tool
URL Encoding & Decoding
URL encoding converts special characters to percent-encoded format (e.g., space becomes %20). Use URL encoding when preparing data for URLs or form submissions. URL decoding reverses this process, converting percent-encoded strings back to readable text.
When to Use URL Encoding
Use URL encoding for query parameters, form data, and any text that will be part of a URL. Special characters like spaces, ampersands, and equals signs must be encoded to prevent URL parsing errors.
Common Encoded Characters
Space = %20, " = %22, & = %26, = = %3D, ? = %3F, # = %23, / = %2F. The tool automatically handles all special characters according to RFC 3986 standards.
Base64 Encoding & Decoding
Base64 encoding converts binary data or text into ASCII characters using a 64-character alphabet. It's commonly used for embedding images in HTML/CSS, storing binary data in JSON, and encoding email attachments. Base64 decoding reverses this process.
Base64 Use Cases
Base64 is ideal for encoding binary data in text-based formats, embedding images in data URIs, storing binary data in databases that only accept text, and encoding credentials in HTTP Basic Authentication.
Base64 Format
Base64 uses characters A-Z, a-z, 0-9, plus (+), and slash (/), with padding using equals (=). Valid Base64 strings are always multiples of 4 characters in length.
Cryptographic Hashing (MD5 & SHA-256)
Hashing creates a fixed-size fingerprint of data. MD5 produces 128-bit (32 hex characters) hashes, while SHA-256 produces 256-bit (64 hex characters) hashes. Hashing is one-way - you cannot reverse a hash to get the original data.
MD5 vs SHA-256
MD5 is faster but considered cryptographically broken and vulnerable to collision attacks. SHA-256 is slower but cryptographically secure and recommended for security-sensitive applications. Use MD5 only for non-security purposes like checksums.
Common Hash Uses
Hashes are used for password verification (store hashes, not passwords), data integrity checks (verify files haven't changed), digital signatures, and blockchain technology.
Advanced Features
Enable Live Transform for real-time encoding/decoding as you type. Use Batch Mode to process multiple lines independently - each line is transformed separately, useful for processing lists or datasets.
Calculator Features
URL Encoding/Decoding
Encode special characters for URLs or decode percent-encoded strings
Base64 Encoding/Decoding
Encode binary data to Base64 or decode Base64 strings back to text
MD5 Hashing
Generate MD5 hash (128-bit) for data integrity and checksums
SHA-256 Hashing
Generate cryptographically secure SHA-256 hash (256-bit)
Live Transform
Real-time encoding/decoding as you type with automatic updates
Batch Processing
Process multiple lines independently for lists and datasets
File Support
Load text from files or save encoded output to files
Auto-Detection
Automatically detects URL-encoded or Base64 strings and suggests the correct operation
Complete Function List
- URL encoding (percent-encoding):
- URL decoding:
- Base64 encoding with UTF-8 support:
- Base64 decoding with UTF-8 support:
- MD5 hash generation:
- SHA-256 hash generation:
- Live transform mode with debouncing:
- Batch processing mode (line-by-line):
- Auto-format detection:
- File upload support (.txt, .json, .xml, .html, .css, .js):
- File download for encoded output:
- Copy to clipboard functionality:
- Clear all functionality:
- Local storage persistence:
- Error handling with clear messages:
- Monospace font for better readability:
Common Calculations & Examples
Example 1: Encoding a URL with Special Characters
Problem: You need to encode a URL parameter containing spaces and special characters
Steps:
- Select "URL Encode" from the operation mode dropdown
- Enter your text: "Hello World & More!"
- Click "Transform" or enable "Live Transform"
Explanation: The URL encoder converts spaces to %20, ampersands to %26, and quotes to %22. This encoded string can be safely used in URL query parameters without breaking the URL structure.
Example 2: Base64 Encoding for Data URI
Problem: You want to embed a small image or data directly in HTML/CSS using a data URI
Steps:
- Select "Base64 Encode" from the operation mode
- Paste your text or binary data representation
- Copy the Base64 result and use it in data:image/png;base64,<result> format
Explanation: Base64 encoding converts your data into ASCII characters that can be safely embedded in text-based formats. The result "SGVsbG8gV29ybGQ=" is the Base64 encoding of "Hello World" and can be used in data URIs, JSON, or any text-based storage system.
Example 3: Generating SHA-256 Hash for Password Verification
Problem: You need to create a secure hash of a password for storage (never store plain passwords)
Steps:
- Select "SHA-256 Hash" from the operation mode
- Enter the password or data to hash
- Copy the resulting hash for storage
Explanation: SHA-256 produces a unique 64-character hexadecimal hash. When a user enters a password, hash it and compare with the stored hash. Never store or transmit plain passwords. SHA-256 is cryptographically secure and resistant to collision attacks.
Example 4: Batch Processing Multiple URLs
Problem: You have a list of URLs that need to be encoded, one per line
Steps:
- Enable "Batch Mode" checkbox
- Select "URL Encode" operation
- Paste your list with one URL per line
- Click "Transform" - each line is processed independently
Explanation: Batch mode processes each line independently, making it perfect for processing lists, datasets, or multiple items. Each line is transformed separately, so you can process hundreds of items at once.