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URL Encoder / Decoder

Encode or decode URL strings. Useful for encoding special characters in URLs or decoding percent-encoded (%xx) strings back to readable text.

Result:

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Free Online URL Encoder & Decoder — Percent-Encode or Decode URLs Instantly

Encode text for use in a URL or decode percent-encoded text back into a readable value. The tool uses the browser's built-in JavaScript URL functions and processes the value locally on your device.

What is URL "Percent" Encoding?

URLs reserve characters such as ?, &, =, and # for structure. Percent-encoding represents characters that cannot safely appear in a particular part of a URL as a percent sign followed by hexadecimal bytes. For example, a space is commonly encoded as %20.

Encoding is especially useful for query values containing spaces, Unicode text, emoji, or characters that would otherwise be interpreted as URL syntax.

encodeURI vs. encodeURIComponent

JavaScript provides two related functions. Choose the one that matches the value you are processing:

  • encodeURIComponent(): Use this for an individual query value, path segment, or other component. It encodes separators including /, ?, &, and =.
  • encodeURI(): Use this for a complete URL. It preserves structural characters such as the scheme separator, slashes, and query delimiters.

How to use the encoder and decoder

  1. Paste the text or URL into the input field.
  2. Select Encode or Decode and choose whether the value is a full URL or a URL component.
  3. Select Convert. Use Swap when you want to move the result back into the input.
  4. Copy the result. If decoding fails, check for an incomplete percent sequence such as %2.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I see a `+` symbol alternatively instead of a `%20` hex code for space characters?
HTML form encoding commonly represents spaces as +, while general URL percent-encoding represents a space as %20. Use the component option when encoding a query value for an API, and follow the receiving service's documented format.
Can URL Encoding accurately safeguard against major injection attack vectors globally?
No. Encoding preserves URL structure; it does not make untrusted input safe. Applications must still validate input and use context-appropriate output escaping, parameterized queries, and other security controls.