Question 1

Why am I getting 'Invalid Base64 format' error?

Accepted Answer

This error occurs when the input contains invalid characters, incorrect padding, or improper length. Ensure your Base64 string only contains valid characters (A-Z, a-z, 0-9, +, /, =) and has proper padding. Try enabling 'URL-safe' mode if your input uses - and _ characters.

Question 2

Can decoded data contain malware or viruses?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Base64 is just an encoding format - the decoded data could be anything, including malicious code. Never execute or open decoded files without proper virus scanning. Always validate and sanitize decoded data before use.

Question 3

What's the difference between standard and URL-safe decoding?

Accepted Answer

Standard Base64 uses + and / which can break URLs. URL-safe Base64 uses - and _ instead, and typically omits padding (=). Our decoder automatically handles both formats - just enable 'URL-safe' mode for data encoded with - and _ characters.

Question 4

Why does my decoded text look garbled?

Accepted Answer

This usually means the Base64 data represents binary content (like an image or file) rather than text. Try decoding it as a file instead. If it should be text, check that it was encoded with UTF-8.

Base64

Why am I getting 'Invalid Base64 format' error?

Can decoded data contain malware or viruses?

What's the difference between standard and URL-safe decoding?

Why does my decoded text look garbled?

Base64 Information