Encoding Tools
Move binary-safe text through JSON, query strings, and logs with Base64, percent-encoding, UTF-8, and hex helpers. MD5 is listed for checksums with clear non-security guidance.
Base64 is encoding, not encryption — anyone can decode it. URL encode/decode is for query and path components. UTF-8 and hex help when you need to inspect bytes. Prefer a real password hash library for secrets; MD5 here is a quick fingerprint only.
Paste small samples first. Megabyte files can freeze a tab even though nothing is uploaded.
Tools in this hub
Base64 Encode & Decode
Embedding a small SVG or icon in a data URL experiment, inspecting the readable middle of a JWT (still not verifying the signature here), converting clipboard text for an API field that expects Base64, and teaching the difference between encoding and encryption with a live round-trip.
URL Encode & Decode
Building a query string by hand, debugging why a redirect broke, inspecting logs that show encoded URLs, and teaching the difference between component encoding and full-URI encoding.
UTF-8 Encoder & Decoder
Fixing a file that was read as Latin-1, explaining why a database column “looks wrong,” checking emoji byte length, and teaching that characters are not always one byte.
Hex to Text Converter
Reading a hex dump from a ticket, checking a short ASCII payload, teaching binary/hex alongside the [Binary Code Translator](/binary-code-translator/), and round-tripping a brand string.
MD5 Hash Generator
Checking whether two pastes are identical, generating a cheap etag-like key, reproducing a legacy checksum you must match, and demonstrating one-way hashing vs reversible [Base64](/base64-encode-decode/).
Binary Code Translator
Computer science homework, explaining ASCII vs UTF-8, decoding a bitstring from an ASCII-based puzzle, and round-tripping a short word.
Related developer hubs
Frequently asked questions
Is Base64 encryption?+
No. It is reversible encoding. Use TLS and real crypto libraries for confidentiality.
Should I store passwords with MD5?+
No. Use a modern password hash (Argon2, bcrypt, scrypt). MD5 here is for quick checksums only.