Encoders & Decoders

Encode and decode data in various formats. Base64, URL encoding, JWT - everything runs locally in your browser.

Base64 Encoder/Decoder

Encode and decode data to Base64 format. Support for text and files with instant results.

Base64 Encode Decode

URL Encoder/Decoder

Encode and decode URL components. Handle special characters and query parameters safely.

URL RFC 3986

JWT Decoder/Encoder

Decode and create JWT tokens. Inspect header, payload, and signature right in your browser.

JWT HS256 RS256

Encoding Tools for Developers

Rich Dev Tools provides a set of encoders and decoders for everyday development tasks. All tools run entirely in your browser - data is never sent to a server.

Why Use Encoders?

Data encoding is an essential part of web development:

  • Base64 - for transmitting binary data in text protocols, embedding images in CSS and HTML
  • URL encoding - for safely passing parameters in URLs and forms
  • JWT - for debugging authentication and authorization tokens

Base64 vs URL Encoding: Key Differences

Both are text-safe encoding formats, but they serve different purposes. Base64 converts binary data (bytes) into ASCII characters using a 64-character alphabet - ideal for embedding images, files, or binary API payloads in text contexts. It increases data size by ~33%. URL encoding (percent-encoding) escapes special characters in URLs, replacing them with %XX hex codes - required for safe query parameters and form submissions. Use Base64 for binary content, URL encoding for query strings and form data.

Understanding JWT Tokens

A JSON Web Token (JWT) consists of three dot-separated parts: header.payload.signature. The header specifies the algorithm (HS256, RS256, etc.), the payload contains claims (user ID, roles, expiration), and the signature verifies the token was not tampered with. JWTs are commonly used for API authentication - the client sends the token in the Authorization: Bearer <token> header. Use our decoder to inspect any JWT token without needing a secret key.

Quick Links

Benefits
  • 100% browser-based
  • Cryptographically secure
  • No registration
  • Free

Common Questions

Yes. All encoding and decoding happens entirely in your browser using JavaScript. No data is transmitted to any server - your input never leaves your device.

Encoding transforms data into another format for compatibility (like Base64 for binary-to-text), and anyone can reverse it. Encryption protects data with a secret key so only authorized parties can read it. Our tools handle encoding, not encryption.

Base64 is for embedding binary data (images, files) into text formats like JSON, HTML, or email. URL encoding is for safely passing special characters in URLs and query parameters. They solve different problems.

You can decode the header and payload - they're just Base64-encoded JSON. But you cannot verify the signature without the secret key. Our JWT tool shows you the decoded contents for debugging purposes.