How do I decode a JWT token payload?

A JWT has three Base64URL-encoded sections separated by dots. Copy the middle section (payload) and paste it into this decoder to see the claims as JSON.

What is the difference between Base64 and Base64URL?

Base64URL is a variant that uses - instead of + and _ instead of / so the encoded string is safe to use in URLs. This decoder handles both variants automatically.

What if the decoded output shows garbage characters?

If the original data was binary (like an image or file) rather than text, the decoded output will show unreadable characters. This tool is for text data; binary Base64 requires a different approach.

How do I decode HTTP Basic Auth credentials?

HTTP Basic Auth encodes "username:password" as Base64. Paste the value after "Basic " in the Authorization header into this decoder to retrieve the original credentials.

What is padding ("==") at the end of Base64?

Base64 encodes 3 bytes into 4 characters. If the input length is not a multiple of 3, padding characters (=) are added to make the output length a multiple of 4. Some implementations omit padding; the decoder handles both.

Base64 to Text Decoder

Decodes a Base64-encoded string back to plain text. Handles both standard Base64 (using + and /) and URL-safe Base64 (using - and _). Correctly decodes UTF-8 encoded content including non-ASCII characters.

Runs entirely in your browser — your input is never uploaded, stored, or logged.

Decode JWT payloads, HTTP Basic Auth credentials, or any Base64-encoded data back to readable text instantly. To decode a complete JWT token, try the JWT Decoder.

How to Use

1Paste the Base64-encoded string into the input.
2The decoded text appears instantly.
3If decoding fails, verify the input is valid Base64.

Common Uses

→Decode a Base64-encoded Authorization header
→Inspect a JWT token header or payload
→View Base64-encoded data from an API response
→Decode Base64 email attachment content

Examples

Decode credentials

Input

dXNlcm5hbWU6cGFzc3dvcmQ=

Output

username:password

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