URL Encoder / Decoder
Encode or decode URLs and query strings, instantly in your browser.
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Get to know this tool
URL Encode percent-encodes any text or URL using your browser's native encodeURIComponent and decodeURIComponent functions, sending nothing to any server.
What is URL Encoding (Percent-Encoding) and Decoding?
URL Encoding (also referred to as Percent-encoding) is a mechanism for encoding information in a Uniform Resource Identifier (URI) under specific circumstances. The internet protocol dictates that URLs can only contain a limited set of ASCII characters. Characters outside this safe set (such as spaces, brackets, non-English symbols, ampersands, or slashes) must be replaced with a percent sign (%) followed by a two-digit hexadecimal representation. URL Decoding is the reverse operation, converting percent-encoded strings back into their original, human-readable format.
Key Features
- Bi-Directional Conversion: Seamlessly switch between URL Encoding (making strings URL-safe) and URL Decoding (extracting raw strings from query parameters).
- Instant Processing: Watch your inputs transform dynamically as you type or paste them. No manual page loads or submission buttons are required.
- Robust UTF-8 Conversion: Correctly handles foreign alphabets, special characters, math symbols, and emojis.
- 100% Client-Side Privacy: The encoding uses native JavaScript commands (
encodeURIComponentanddecodeURIComponent) locally. Your links and payloads are not transmitted to any external server. - Convenient Copy Button: Copy the generated results to your clipboard with a single click.
How to Use the URL Encoder / Decoder?
To Encode a URL or Parameter:
- Ensure the Encode mode is selected.
- Paste or type the text you want to make URL-safe into the input box.
- Retrieve the percent-encoded string from the output area.
To Decode a URL or Parameter:
- Select the Decode mode.
- Paste the encoded string (containing characters like
%20,%3F, etc.) into the input box. - View and copy the decoded plain text output.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why do URLs require encoding?
Web servers and browsers use special characters like ?, &, and = to separate URL parameters and paths. If your parameters contain these characters naturally (e.g., in a search query or a user's name), they must be encoded so the server does not misinterpret them as URL syntax.
What does %20 represent?
In URL encoding, %20 represents a space character. In some context queries, it may also be represented as a plus sign (+).