URL Encoder/Decoder
Encode and decode URLs
URL Encoder/Decoder
Common Examples
About URL Encoding
URL encoding (percent encoding) converts special characters into a format that can be safely transmitted over the internet. Characters like spaces, @, =, and & are replaced with their percent-encoded equivalents (e.g., space becomes %20).
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About URL Encoder/Decoder
Encode and decode URLs instantly with our comprehensive URL encoder/decoder tool. URL encoding (also called percent-encoding) converts special characters into a format that can be safely transmitted over the internet. URLs can only contain certain ASCII characters, so spaces, special symbols, and non-ASCII characters must be encoded. Essential for web developers constructing query strings, API developers testing endpoints with parameters, SEO professionals analyzing URLs, and anyone working with web addresses. Our tool handles both encoding (converting special characters to %XX format) and decoding (converting %XX back to readable characters). Perfect for debugging URL issues, constructing API requests, understanding query parameters, cleaning malformed URLs, and ensuring URL compatibility across different systems and browsers. Supports full UTF-8 encoding for international characters and handles complex query strings with multiple parameters.
Key Features
Bidirectional Conversion
Both encode URLs (convert special characters to percent-encoding) AND decode URLs (convert percent-encoding back to readable text) in one comprehensive tool.
Full UTF-8 Support
Correctly encodes international characters, emojis, and special symbols from any language. Handles multi-byte UTF-8 characters properly for global URL compatibility.
Component-Specific Encoding
Encode entire URLs or just specific components (query parameters, path segments). Different URL parts have different encoding rules - our tool handles them correctly.
Query String Formatting
Properly formats and encodes URL query parameters. Handles key=value pairs, special characters in values, and multiple parameters with & separators.
Real-Time Processing
See encoding and decoding results instantly as you type. No delays, no button clicking - immediate feedback for rapid development and debugging.
Error Detection
Identifies malformed URLs and invalid percent-encoding sequences. Provides helpful messages when URLs can't be properly decoded.
Batch Processing
Encode or decode multiple URLs at once. Perfect for processing lists of URLs, cleaning datasets, or testing multiple API endpoints.
How to Use URL Encoder/Decoder
Choose Encode mode to convert special characters
Choose Encode mode to convert special characters to URL-safe format, or Decode mode to convert percent-encoded URLs to readable text
Paste or type your URL or query string in the input area
Paste or type your URL or query string in the input area. Follow the tool interface to complete this step.
View the instant encoded or decoded result
View the instant encoded or decoded result. Follow the tool interface to complete this step.
For query parameters, ensure proper key=value format before encoding
For query parameters, ensure proper key=value format before encoding. Follow the tool interface to complete this step.
Copy the result to clipboard with one click
Copy the result to clipboard with one click. Follow the tool interface to complete this step.
Use encoded URLs in your API requests, links, or web applications
Use encoded URLs in your API requests, links, or web applications. Follow the tool interface to complete this step.
Decode URLs to understand what parameters are being passed or to debug issues
Decode URLs to understand what parameters are being passed or to debug issues. Follow the tool interface to complete this step.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is URL encoding and why is it necessary?
URL encoding converts characters that aren't allowed in URLs into a percent sign followed by hexadecimal digits (%XX). URLs can only safely contain certain ASCII characters (letters, numbers, and a few symbols like - _ . ~). Spaces, quotes, brackets, and non-ASCII characters must be encoded. For example, a space becomes %20, and & becomes %26.
What's the difference between encoding a full URL vs just parameters?
When encoding a full URL, protocol (https://), domain, and path separators (/) should NOT be encoded - only special characters within path segments and query parameters. When encoding just query parameter values, more characters need encoding including =, &, and ?. Use 'encode component' for parameter values, 'encode URI' for full URLs.
Why do I see %20 for spaces in some URLs and + in others?
Both %20 and + can represent spaces in URLs, but they're used in different contexts. %20 is the standard URL encoding for spaces anywhere in a URL. The + symbol is specifically used for spaces in query string values (application/x-www-form-urlencoded format). Modern practice prefers %20 everywhere for consistency.
What characters need to be URL-encoded?
Reserved characters that have special meaning in URLs must be encoded when used literally: # % & + = ? / : @ [ ]. Unsafe characters like spaces, quotes, <, >, {, }, |, \, ^, and ` should always be encoded. Non-ASCII characters (accented letters, emojis, Chinese characters, etc.) must be UTF-8 encoded then percent-encoded.
Can I encode URLs with international characters?
Yes! Our tool properly handles international characters by first converting them to UTF-8, then percent-encoding each byte. For example, 'café' becomes 'caf%C3%A9'. This ensures URLs work correctly regardless of the characters used, supporting all languages and emojis.
What happens if I encode an already-encoded URL?
Double-encoding will encode the % signs themselves, creating invalid URLs. For example, %20 becomes %2520. This breaks the URL. Always decode first if unsure, then encode once. Our tool helps identify already-encoded URLs to prevent this issue.
Is URL encoding secure?
URL encoding is NOT encryption or security - it's just format conversion for safe transmission. Anyone can decode URLs instantly. Never put passwords, API keys, or sensitive data in URLs even if encoded. Use POST requests with proper encryption (HTTPS) for sensitive data.
Why can't I decode certain URLs?
Decoding fails if the URL contains invalid percent-encoding sequences (like %ZZ or incomplete sequences). Malformed URLs with incorrect structure also can't be decoded. Our tool provides error messages to help identify the specific issue with invalid URLs.
Use Cases
- API Development and Testing: Encode parameters for API requests, especially when values contain spaces, special characters, or symbols. Debug API calls by decoding URLs from logs to see actual parameter values being sent.
- Web Development: Construct search URLs, filter parameters, and dynamic links with user input. Ensure special characters in user data don't break URLs. Build complex query strings programmatically.
- SEO and Analytics: Analyze and decode tracking parameters in URLs (UTM parameters, campaign codes). Understand URL structure for SEO audits. Clean and standardize URLs for analytics tracking.
- Social Media Sharing: Encode URLs for sharing on social platforms that have character restrictions. Ensure share links work correctly regardless of special characters in titles or descriptions.
- Email and Marketing: Encode URLs in email campaigns to prevent broken links. Handle unsubscribe links with encoded email addresses. Create trackable links with encoded parameters.