URL Encoder & Decoder
Encode and decode URL components, query parameters and full URLs with standards-compliant percent encoding. Supports UTF-8, form-style query encoding, and structural URL preservation — all in your browser.
Read the guide: How to Use URL Encoding and DecodingText or URL to Encode
Encoded Result
Your URL data is processed to perform the requested encoding or decoding and is not included in analytics.
How the URL Encoder & Decoder works
- URL Component mode uses encodeURIComponent to percent-encode a single value, encoding all special characters including ?, &, = and +.
- Query Parameter mode uses form-style encoding where spaces become +, suitable for query string values.
- Full URL mode parses the URL using the browser's URL API and only encodes characters within each component that need it, preserving structural delimiters like :, /, ? and &.
- Decoding validates percent encoding and UTF-8 before converting back. The tool detects possible double encoding and warns you without automatically decoding again.
See also: Base64 Encoder & Decoder, JSON Validator, JSON Minifier and XML Formatter.
Examples
Encode text
hello world → hello%20world
Encode query value
search & tools → search+%26+tools
Full URL
https://example.com/search?q=hello world → https://example.com/search?q=hello%20world
Useful tips
- Use URL Component mode for individual values and Full URL mode for complete URLs.
- In Query Parameter mode, + represents a space. In URL Component mode, + is a literal plus sign.
- If you see a double-encoding warning, click Decode Again to decode one more level.
- Use the Query Parameter Builder to construct and encode query strings without manual encoding.
Frequently asked questions
What is a URL Encoder?+
A URL encoder converts text or URL components into a form suitable for use in URLs by replacing special characters with percent-encoded sequences (e.g., space becomes %20). It uses UTF-8 encoding so Unicode characters are handled correctly.
What is a URL Decoder?+
A URL decoder converts percent-encoded values back into their readable representation. It scans for %XX sequences and replaces each with the corresponding character, validating the input and reporting errors for malformed sequences.
What is URL encoding?+
URL encoding, also called percent encoding, represents characters using a percent sign (%) followed by two hexadecimal digits. It allows characters that have special meaning in URLs (such as ?, &, = and #) to be safely used as data.
What does %20 mean in a URL?+
%20 is the percent-encoded representation of a space character. The 20 is the hexadecimal value of the ASCII code for space (32 in decimal). Spaces in URL components should be encoded as %20.
Why are spaces encoded in URLs?+
URLs cannot contain literal spaces. A space would be interpreted as the end of the URL or cause parsing errors. Spaces must be encoded as %20 (percent encoding) or + (form-style query encoding) so they can be safely transmitted.
What is percent encoding?+
Percent encoding is the mechanism by which characters that are not allowed in or have special meaning in URLs are represented as a percent sign followed by two hexadecimal digits. For example, & is encoded as %26 and # as %23.
Should I encode an entire URL?+
No. Encoding an entire URL as a single component corrupts its structure by encoding structural characters like :, /, ? and &. Use Full URL mode to preserve the URL structure and only encode the characters within each component that need encoding.
How do I encode URL query parameters?+
Use Query Parameter mode or the Query Parameter Builder. Each parameter key and value is encoded individually using standards-compliant percent encoding, so special characters like & and = inside values do not break the query string structure.
What is double URL encoding?+
Double encoding happens when a value is encoded more than once. For example, a space is first encoded as %20, then encoding again produces %2520 (an encoded %20). This tool detects possible double encoding and warns you, but never automatically decodes multiple times.
What is the difference between URL encoding and Base64?+
URL encoding makes text safe for use in URLs by encoding special characters as %XX sequences. Base64 encodes binary data as a string of ASCII characters for transport through text-based systems. They serve different purposes and are not interchangeable.
Does URL encoding provide security?+
No. URL encoding is not encryption and provides no confidentiality. Anyone with the encoded value can decode it instantly without a key. Do not use URL encoding to protect sensitive information.
Is my URL stored when I use this tool?+
No. All encoding and decoding runs entirely in your browser. Your URLs and query strings are never uploaded or stored, and your data is not included in analytics.
Related guides
How to format and validate JSON
JSON is the lingua franca of the modern web, but a single stray comma can break an entire API response. This guide shows you how to format and validate JSON quickly, what the most common errors look like, and how to fix them — all using a free tool that runs entirely in your browser.
How to convert JSON to CSV
JSON is great for APIs, but spreadsheets still rule for analysis. This guide explains how to turn JSON into a clean CSV file, how nested values are handled, and the common pitfalls to avoid — all using a free tool that runs entirely in your browser.
How to validate JSON
A single stray comma can break an entire API response. This guide explains what JSON validation is, the most common syntax errors and how to fix them — all using a free tool that runs entirely in your browser.
How to minify JSON
Minified JSON is smaller, faster to transfer and just as valid as the formatted original. This guide explains what minification does, how it differs from compression, and why your data stays exactly the same — all using a free tool that runs entirely in your browser.
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