Base32 encoder / decoder
Encode text or any file as RFC 4648 Base32, or decode Base32 to the original bytes.
- 1Add input
- 2Adjust settings
- 3Get your result
Tool input and files are processed in this browser without being uploaded.
Before you start
Encode UTF-8 text or raw file bytes to canonical RFC 4648 Base32. Decode valid Base32 to exact bytes, with a text preview when the result is readable UTF-8.
How to use this tool
- Choose Encode or Decode, then choose pasted text or a file.
- For encoding, enter UTF-8 text or select any file. For decoding, paste Base32 or select a UTF-8 .txt, .b32 or .base32 file.
- Convert, inspect the bytes and preview, then copy the full text or download the output file.
Supported inputs and limits
Paste up to 1 MiB of text or select one file up to 10 MiB. Encoded file input must be UTF-8 text.
Uses RFC 4648 Base32 (A–Z, 2–7). Lowercase and missing padding are accepted; invalid characters, padding and nonzero pad bits are rejected. Base32hex and Crockford variants are not supported.
Conversion runs in your browser. Base32 is not encryption.
Worked example
Example input
hello
Example options
{"mode":"encode"}Example output
NBSWY3DP
When something does not work
If decoding fails, check the A–Z/2–7 alphabet, valid final-group lengths and padding, then nonzero pad bits. Internal spaces or line breaks are not accepted. Download decoded.bin to preserve arbitrary bytes.
Frequently asked questions
Can I encode a binary file?
Yes. Choose File and Encode; the original bytes are converted to Base32 without text decoding.
What if decoded bytes are not text?
Download decoded.bin to keep the exact bytes. A text preview and decoded.txt appear only for readable UTF-8.
Why is my Base32 string rejected?
A full Base32 block has eight symbols. A final partial block can have 2, 4, 5 or 7 symbols, followed by 6, 4, 3 or 1 = signs respectively. Six symbols plus == cannot represent a whole number of bytes. This tool also rejects nonzero pad bits; some decoders accept them.
Is my input sent to a server?
No. Conversion happens in your browser. Save your output before closing the tab.
Documentation & further reading
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