URL Encoder / Decoder
Encode or decode URLs and query parameters instantly using a secure browser-based URL encoder and decoder.
Use this free online URL encoder and decoder to safely encode or decode URLs and query parameters. URL encoding replaces unsafe characters with percent-encoded values (like %20 for spaces) to ensure data is transmitted correctly in browsers and APIs. All processing happens locally in your browser, so your data is never uploaded or stored. Developers often use URL encoding when sending query parameters in APIs, search forms, or analytics links to ensure special characters are transmitted correctly.
About this tool
What is URL Encoding?
URL encoding (also called percent encoding) converts special characters into a format that can safely be transmitted in URLs. Characters like spaces, symbols, and punctuation are replaced with %XX hexadecimal values so they can be processed correctly by web servers and browsers. If you need to transmit structured data inside URLs, developers often encode JSON or other values using tools like our Base64 Encoder / Decoder.
- Used in query strings and form submissions
- Ensures special characters do not break URLs
- Common in API requests and analytics links
Encode or Decode URLs
Encode unsafe characters for URLs or decode percent-encoded strings back to readable text instantly.
- Works with full URLs or query strings
- Instant encoding and decoding results
- Browser-only processing
- Handles complex query parameters
Common URL Encoding Scenarios
Encoding is essential when sending special characters in query strings or path segments.
- Encode search queries with spaces and symbols
- Decode UTM parameters from analytics links
- Fix malformed URLs caused by copy-pasting
How to Use URL Encoder / Decoder
Choose Encode or Decode
Use the toggle to switch between 'Encode' (to %-format) and 'Decode' (to human-readable).
Paste URL or Query String
Paste your full URL or just the query string specific part. The output updates instantly.
Copy Encoded or Decoded URL
Use the copy button to get the clean string for your application.
Common questions
What is URL encoding?
URL encoding, also known as percent encoding, converts unsafe or reserved characters into a format that can be safely transmitted over the internet. For example, a space is encoded as %20.
What is a URL encoder?
A URL encoder converts unsafe characters in URLs into percent-encoded values so they can be safely transmitted in query strings, API requests, and web addresses.
When should I encode a URL?
You should encode URLs when sending query parameters, search strings, or user input in links to ensure special characters like spaces and symbols are transmitted correctly. If your parameters contain structured JSON values, you can format them first using our JSON Formatter before encoding the URL.
What characters get encoded?
Characters that aren't safe for URLs, like spaces, question marks, equals signs, and symbols, are converted to their %XX equivalent.
What is the difference between %20 and + for spaces?
Traditionally, '+' was used for spaces in query strings, while '%20' is used in path segments. Modern standards prefer '%20' everywhere for consistency.
Why does decoding error?
If the string contains invalid percent sequences (such as '%2G'), decoding may fail because the sequence is not valid hexadecimal.
Is `encodeURIComponent` used?
Yes, we use the standard JavaScript functions logic to ensure compatibility with all modern browsers and servers.
What is the difference between encodeURI and encodeURIComponent?
encodeURI is used to encode an entire URL and leaves special characters like : and / intact. encodeURIComponent is used to encode individual query parameters and encodes almost all reserved characters.
Can I encode a whole URL at once?
Be careful encoding a full URL (including 'https://'), as the slashes and colons will also be encoded, breaking the link. Usually, you only want to encode the query parameters.
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