Decode Base64 Email with Apps Script

You can decode base64 encoded email messages in Gmail, or files in your Google Drive, using the base64Decode() method of Google Apps Script.

function base64DecodeEmail() {
  // If the base6f.txt file in Drive needs to be decoded
  var mime = DriveApp.getFilesByName('base64.txt').next().getBlob().getDataAsString();

  // If a Gmail message with subject base64 needs to be decoded
  var message = GmailApp.search('subject:base64')[0].getMessages()[0];
  var mime = message.getRawContent();

  // Concatenate the chunks in the source
  mime = mime.replace(/\n|\r/g, '');

  // Extract the base64 string using regex
  var matches = mime.match(/base64[a-zA-Z0-9\+\/=]+/g);

  for (var line in matches) {
    var base64 = matches[line].replace(/^base64/, '');
    var decoded = Utilities.base64Decode(base64);
    var html = Utilities.newBlob(decoded).getDataAsString();
    Logger.log(html);
  }
}

Amit Agarwal is a web geek, solo entrepreneur and loves making things on the Internet. Google recently awarded him the Google Developer Expert and Google Cloud Champion title for his work on Google Workspace and Google Apps Script.

Awards & Recognition

Google Developer Expert

Google Developer Expert

Google awarded us the Developer Expert title recogizing our work in Workspace

ProductHunt Golden Kitty

ProductHunt Golden Kitty

Our Gmail tool won the Lifehack of the Year award at ProductHunt Golden Kitty Awards

Microsoft MVP Alumni

Microsoft MVP Alumni

Microsoft awarded us the Most Valuable Professional title for 5 years in a row

Google Cloud Champion

Google Cloud Champion

Google awarded us the Champion Innovator award for technical expertise

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