Text & Encoding
Encoders, decoders, hashing, formatters, and string tools.
14 tools available
Text and encoding tools translate human-readable strings into the formats that machines, networks, and protocols actually require — and back again. Whenever data crosses a boundary that only understands a limited set of characters (an email header, a URL, a JSON string, an HTTP form), it has to be encoded into a safe representation, then decoded on the other side. Getting that round-trip exactly right is the difference between a working integration and a stream of mojibake.
This category covers the everyday workhorses: Base64 for embedding binary in text, URL/percent-encoding for query strings, HTML entity encoding for safe markup, and Unicode escaping for source code. It also includes one-way hashing (MD5, SHA-1, SHA-256) for fingerprints and checksums, plus formatters that pretty-print or minify structured text. Every tool runs entirely in your browser, so secrets, tokens, and proprietary payloads never leave your machine.
Encoding scheme comparison
How the common text encodings differ in output, overhead, and intent. Encodings are reversible; hashes are not.
| Scheme | Output alphabet | Size change | Reversible | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Base64 | A–Z a–z 0–9 + / | +33% | Yes | Binary in text (data URIs, email, JWT) |
Hex | 0–9 a–f | +100% | Yes | Hashes, byte dumps, colour codes |
URL | Unreserved + %XX | Varies | Yes | Query strings, form posts |
HTML entity | &name; / &#n; | Varies | Yes | Escaping < > & in markup |
SHA-256 | 64 hex chars (fixed) | Fixed 256-bit | No | Integrity, fingerprints |
Hashing is not encryption or encoding — there is no key and no way back. Use it to verify, never to hide.