# Base64URL Encoder/Decoder

Encode and decode Base64URL (URL-safe Base64 variant used by JWT/JWS/JWE), with conversions between standard and URL-safe Base64

> Canonical page: https://elysiatools.com/en/tools/base64url-encoder

- **Category:** Format Conversion

- **Keywords:** base64url, base64, url-safe, jwt, jws, jwe, encode, decode, rfc7515, rfc4648

## Overview

The Base64URL Encoder/Decoder is a specialized utility designed to convert text and binary data to and from the URL-safe Base64 variant (RFC 4648 / RFC 7515) commonly used in JWT, JWS, and JWE. It also enables seamless conversion between standard Base64 and Base64URL formats, with support for UTF-8 and Hex output encodings.

## Inputs

- **Input** (textarea): Enter text to encode, or Base64URL to decode...
- **Operation** (select)
- **Output encoding** (select)

## When to use

- When generating or parsing JWT headers and payloads that require URL-safe Base64 encoding without padding characters.
- When transmitting binary data or tokens via URL query parameters where standard Base64 characters like '+' and '/' could cause routing or parsing issues.
- When converting existing standard Base64 strings into the URL-safe Base64URL format, or vice versa.

## How it works

- Input the text, standard Base64, or Base64URL string into the input area.
- Select the desired operation: Encode to Base64URL, Decode from Base64URL, Standard to Base64URL, or Base64URL to Standard.
- Choose the output encoding format (UTF-8 text or Hex string) if you are decoding.
- The tool processes the input instantly and displays the converted output.

## Use cases

- Debugging and inspecting JWT tokens by decoding the header and payload segments.
- Preparing binary identifiers or tokens for safe transmission in URL query parameters.
- Converting legacy standard Base64 database entries into URL-safe strings for API integrations.

## Frequently asked questions

### What is the difference between standard Base64 and Base64URL?

Base64URL replaces the '+' and '/' characters of standard Base64 with '-' and '_', and omits the '=' padding characters to make the string safe for URLs and filenames.

### Can I decode a JWT payload using this tool?

Yes, you can paste individual segments of a JWT (header or payload) and decode them from Base64URL to UTF-8 text.

### Does this tool support decoding to hexadecimal format?

Yes, you can set the output encoding option to Hex string when decoding Base64URL.

### Why does Base64URL omit the '=' padding characters?

The '=' character is often URL-encoded or has special meaning in query strings, so Base64URL strips it to prevent transmission issues.

### Is this tool compliant with RFC standards?

Yes, the encoding and decoding processes follow the specifications outlined in RFC 4648 and RFC 7515.

## Related tools

- [Base64 Converter](https://elysiatools.com/en/tools/base64-converter): Encode and decode data to/from Base64 format with URL-safe options
- [Base64 Encoder/Decoder](https://elysiatools.com/en/tools/base64-encoder): Encode and decode Base64 strings
- [Base32 Converter](https://elysiatools.com/en/tools/base32-converter): Encode and decode text to/from Base32 format with multiple variants
- [Base58 Converter](https://elysiatools.com/en/tools/base58-converter): Encode and decode text to/from Base58 format with Bitcoin and Ripple variants
- [Caesar Cipher](https://elysiatools.com/en/tools/caesar-cipher): Encode, decode, and brute-force the Caesar cipher with any shift (1–25), or print all 25 candidate decodings.
- [Hex to String Converter](https://elysiatools.com/en/tools/hex-to-string): Convert text to and from hexadecimal strings with flexible spacing, prefix (0x/\x/U+), and case options
- [ROT13 Cipher](https://elysiatools.com/en/tools/rot13-cipher): Encode and decode text using ROT13 substitution cipher (rotates letters by 13 positions)
- [ROT47 Cipher](https://elysiatools.com/en/tools/rot47-cipher): Encode and decode text using ROT47 cipher (rotates all printable ASCII characters by 47 positions)

## Samples

- [Copyright-Free MP3 Audio Samples](https://elysiatools.com/en/samples/mp3-samples): Collection of royalty-free audio samples for testing and development purposes including nature sounds, meditation music, and ambient audio
- [Hex/Unicode Encoding Format Samples](https://elysiatools.com/en/samples/text-hex-unicode-formats): Examples of hex (\xXX) and unicode (\uXXXX) escape sequence encoding formats
- [Android Image Processing Java Samples](https://elysiatools.com/en/samples/android-image-processing-java): Android Java image processing examples including reading/saving images, scaling, and format conversion
- [Android Image Processing Kotlin Samples](https://elysiatools.com/en/samples/android-image-processing-kotlin): Android Kotlin image processing examples including reading/saving images, scaling, and format conversion

## Related content

- [Base, Radix, and Hex Encoding Tools](https://elysiatools.com/en/hubs/base-radix-and-hex-encoding-tools): Convert text and bytes across Base variants, arbitrary radices, hex, and web escapes while checking reversible byte preservation.
- [Authorized JWT, OTP, TOTP, and Session Test Workflow](https://elysiatools.com/en/hubs/token-session-and-2fa-workflows): Build sanitized auth fixtures, separate token generation from decoding and verification, test OTP/TOTP timing, and audit JWT and session evidence without exposing real secrets.