# Bech32 Encoding Decoding

> Encode and decode bech32 and bech32m strings using the local bech32 and bech32m CLI. Use when this capability is needed.

- Skill: `tomevault-io/bech32-encoding-decoding` (Agent Skill, multi-file: 2 files)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add tomevault-io/bech32-encoding-decoding`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/tomevault-io/bech32-encoding-decoding/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- Author: tomevault-io (https://skillmd.com/u/tomevault-io)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/tomevault-io/bech32-encoding-decoding

---


# Bech32 / Bech32m Encoding/Decoding Skill

Use this skill to convert between hex/base58 inputs and bech32/bech32m strings, or to decode bech32/bech32m back to base16. The local `bech32` and `bech32m` binaries read data from standard input and writes to standard output.

## When to use
- When you need to inspect or transform bech32/bech32m strings for debugging or tests
- When you need to encode raw bytes (hex/base58) to a bech32/bech32m prefix
- When you need to decode a bech32/bech32m string to base16

## Tooling
- `bech32 [PREFIX]` converts to/from bech32 strings (useful for Cardano addresses)
- `bech32m [PREFIX]` converts to/from bech32m strings (useful for Midnight addresses)
- Input is read from `stdin`
- Output is printed to `stdout`
- Supported input formats: Base16, Bech32, Base58 (bech32)
- Supported input formats: Base16, Bech32m, Base58 (bech32m)

## Operating rules (must follow)
- Confirm the target human-readable prefix (HRP) before encoding
- Prefer piping input via `<<<` or `printf` so the payload is explicit
- For decoding, omit the prefix argument to ensure base16 output
- Use `bech32m` for Midnight bech32m strings; omit the prefix to decode to base16
- Never alter user data; report exact output from the tool

## Common HRPs
- Midnight (bech32m): `mn_shield-addr_<network>`, `mn_addr_<network>`, `mn_dust_<network>`
- Cardano (bech32): `addr`, `addr_test`

## Execution workflow

### Step 1: Identify the input type
- Base16 hex string (preferred for raw bytes)
- Base58 string
- Bech32 string

### Step 2: Encode to bech32
```bash
bech32 <prefix> <<< <hex-or-base58-input>
```

### Step 3: Decode from bech32 to base16
```bash
bech32 <<< <bech32-input>
```

### Step 4: Encode to bech32m (Midnight)
```bash
bech32m <prefix> <<< <hex-or-base58-input>
```

### Step 5: Decode from bech32m to base16
```bash
bech32m <<< <bech32m-input>
```

## Examples

Encode hex to bech32:
```bash
bech32 addr <<< 71ab222c7f223c4c0e297d11fbf6e6a082eb41db5e8539fcfb822c76c3
```
Expected output:
```text
addr1wx4jytrlyg7ycr3f05glhahx5zpwkswmt6znnl8msgk8dsccv8766
```

Decode bech32 to hex:
```bash
bech32 <<< addr1wx4jytrlyg7ycr3f05glhahx5zpwkswmt6znnl8msgk8dsccv8766
```
Expected output:
```text
71ab222c7f223c4c0e297d11fbf6e6a082eb41db5e8539fcfb822c76c3
```

Convert from base58 to bech32:
```bash
bech32 base58_ <<< Ae2tdPwUPEYy
```
Expected output:
```text
base58_1p58rejhd9592uusa8pzj2
```

Encode hex to bech32m (Midnight address HRP):
```bash
bech32m mn_addr_testnet <<< 706174617465
```
Expected output:
```text
mn_addr_testnet1wpshgct5v5ucrhhp
```

Decode Midnight bech32m to hex:
```bash
bech32m <<< mn_addr_testnet1wpshgct5v5ucrhhp
```
Expected output:
```text
706174617465
```

Encode hex to bech32m (shield addr HRP):
```bash
bech32m mn_shield-addr_testnet <<< 706174617465
```
Expected output:
```text
mn_shield-addr_testnet1wpshgct5v5m3l88f
```

Encode hex to bech32m (dust HRP):
```bash
bech32m mn_dust_testnet <<< 706174617465
```
Expected output:
```text
mn_dust_testnet1wpshgct5v5p6cup0
```

## Common pitfalls
- Using the wrong HRP when encoding; bech32/bech32m are prefix-sensitive
- Passing bech32/bech32m input with a prefix argument (this re-encodes instead of decoding)
- Including whitespace or newlines inside the input payload
- Prefixing hex input with `0x`; the tool expects raw hex only

## Error signals
- `Unable to detect input encoding` usually means the input contains a prefix (`0x`) or non-hex characters

## Diagnosis workflow (quick)
1. Confirm input type and remove any `0x` prefix for hex.
2. If encoding: verify the HRP you intend to use.
3. If decoding: ensure you omit the prefix argument.
4. Re-run with a minimal test case to validate the tool:
   - `bech32 base16_ <<< 706174617465`
   - `bech32 <<< base16_1wpshgct5v5r5mxh0`

## References
- `bech32 --help`
- `bech32m --help`

---
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<!-- tomevault:4.0:skill_md:2026-04-13 -->