URL Encoder & Decoder
Encode and decode URL strings instantly. All processing happens in your browser—no data sent to any server.
URL-Encoded String to Decode
Decoded Text
Decoded text will appear here
What is URL Encoding?
URL encoding (percent-encoding) converts characters into a format safe for use in URLs. Reserved and special characters—like spaces, &, =, and ?—are replaced with % followed by their two-digit hexadecimal value. This prevents URLs from breaking when they contain special characters.
How it works
- Encode: Converts text to URL-safe format using percent-encoding (e.g., space → %20, & → %26).
- Decode: Converts percent-encoded strings back to the original text.
- Use case: Essential for building query strings, passing parameters in APIs, and creating valid URLs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is URL encoding?
URL encoding (percent-encoding) converts special characters into a format safe for use in URLs. Characters are replaced with % followed by their hexadecimal value (e.g., space becomes %20).
Is my data sent to a server?
No. All encoding and decoding happens locally in your browser. Your data is never sent to any server, ensuring complete privacy and security.
When should I use URL encoding?
Use URL encoding when building query strings, passing parameters in URLs, or including special characters (spaces, &, =, etc.) in URLs. Unencoded special characters can break URLs or be misinterpreted.
What's the difference between encodeURI and encodeURIComponent?
encodeURIComponent encodes more characters (including :, /, ?, &, =) and is used for encoding query parameter values. encodeURI preserves URL structure and is used for encoding full URLs. This tool uses encodeURIComponent for maximum compatibility.
Is this URL encoder free?
Yes, this tool is completely free to use with no sign-up or limits.
What is URL Decoding?
URL decoding (percent decoding) is the process of converting percent-encoded characters in a URL back to their original form. When URLs contain special characters like spaces, ampersands, or non-ASCII characters, they are encoded as %XX sequences for safe transmission. URL decoding reverses this process.
How URL Decoding Works
%20decodes to a space character%26decodes to&(ampersand)%3Ddecodes to=(equals sign)%2Fdecodes to/(forward slash)+in query strings decodes to a space
Common Use Cases
- Query Parameters: Decode encoded query strings from URLs
- API Debugging: Read encoded request parameters in API logs
- Web Analytics: Decode URLs from analytics tracking data
- Form Data: Decode
application/x-www-form-urlencodedform submissions - Redirect URLs: Decode encoded redirect target URLs
Related Tools
Frequently Asked Questions
What is URL decoding?
URL decoding (also called percent decoding) converts percent-encoded characters like %20, %26, and %3D back to their original form (space, &, =). It reverses the URL encoding process.
When do I need to decode URLs?
You need to decode URLs when reading query parameters from URLs, debugging API requests, analyzing web analytics data, or working with URL-encoded form submissions (application/x-www-form-urlencoded).
Is my data private?
Yes. All decoding happens entirely in your browser. Your URLs and data never leave your device — no server-side processing at all.
What characters are percent-encoded?
Reserved characters in URLs (such as &, =, ?, /, #, +, space) are encoded as %XX where XX is the hexadecimal ASCII code. For example, a space becomes %20 (or + in query strings).
Can I decode double-encoded URLs?
Yes. If your URL was encoded multiple times, you can paste the result and decode again until you get the original text.