URL Encoder/Decoder
Encode and decode URLs securely and instantly
URL Encoder
Encoded Output
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URL Decoder
Decoded Output
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What Is URL Encoding and Decoding?
URL encoding (percent-encoding) converts characters that aren't safe in a URL — spaces, symbols, non-ASCII text — into a %XX format that browsers and servers can transmit reliably. Decoding reverses that, turning an encoded string back into readable text.
Paste text or a URL and this tool encodes or decodes it instantly, using the browser's built-in encoding functions.
Why Use This URL Encoder/Decoder
🔄 Both Directions
Encode plain text to a URL-safe string, or decode an encoded URL back to readable text — one tool for both.
⚡ Instant Results
Paste your text and see the result immediately.
🔒 Runs Locally
Uses your browser's native encoding functions — nothing is sent to a server.
How to Encode or Decode a URL
- Paste your text or URL into the Input field.
- Read the encoded or decoded result in the output field, updated automatically.
- Copy the result and use it in a query string, API request, or wherever the encoded/decoded form is needed.
When You'll Need URL Encoding
1. Passing a value in a query string
A search term with spaces or special characters (like "hello world & more") needs encoding before it can be safely appended to a URL as a query parameter.
2. Debugging a broken link
A URL that looks correct but doesn't work sometimes has a decoding issue — pasting it here can reveal what the encoded characters actually represent.
3. Working with API requests
Many APIs require specific parameters to be URL-encoded — this tool lets you check the exact encoded form before sending a request.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Why does a space become "%20" or "+"?
A: Both represent an encoded space — "%20" is standard percent-encoding used in URL paths, while "+" is used specifically within query strings by convention. This tool uses standard percent-encoding.
Q: What characters actually need encoding?
A: Spaces, and reserved characters like ? # & = %, plus any non-ASCII characters (accented letters, emoji, non-Latin scripts) — anything outside the small set of characters URLs are guaranteed to transmit safely unencoded.
Q: Is my URL sent to a server to encode/decode it?
A: No — encoding and decoding use your browser's built-in encodeURIComponent()/decodeURIComponent() functions entirely client-side.