URL Encoder & Decoder

How to use the URL Encoder & Decoder

Paste text into the input box, choose an encoding type and click Encode to make it safe for a URL, or Decode to turn percent-encoded text such as %20 back into readable characters. The result appears in the output box, ready to copy. All processing is local to your browser.

Which encoding type should I choose?

• Component: use this for one value, such as a search term in a query string. It encodes characters like &, =, / and ? so they cannot break the URL’s structure.
• Full URL: use this when you have a complete address and only want spaces and unsafe characters encoded, leaving separators such as :, / and ? alone.

Example

The text coffee & tea encoded as a component becomes coffee%20%26%20tea. Decoding that string returns the original. A non-English character such as “é” becomes %C3%A9, which is its UTF-8 representation.

Common uses

• Building links with query parameters that contain spaces or symbols
• Reading encoded URLs from logs, emails or analytics
• Debugging redirect and API request issues

Frequently asked questions

Why did decoding fail?
The input likely contains a stray percent sign or an incomplete sequence like %E2%82. Percent signs must be followed by two hexadecimal digits.

Are plus signs treated as spaces?
In component decoding, yes, because many forms encode spaces as +. Full URL decoding leaves plus signs unchanged.

Is this encryption?
No. URL encoding only makes characters safe for transport; anyone can decode it.

Limitations

The tool follows JavaScript’s standard encoding functions, which may differ slightly from other languages or older standards. See our Disclaimer and Privacy Policy. Browse the full tools directory. Related tools: JSON Formatter & Validator, Text Case Converter.