URL Encoder/Decoder

Percent-encode text for URLs, or decode it back

Direction

Output (Encoded)

URL Encoder/Decoder guide

URLs can only contain a limited set of characters. Spaces, accented letters, emoji, and symbols like & or = must be percent-encoded, or they break the link or change what it means. This tool percent-encodes text for use in a URL and decodes encoded strings back to readable text.

What percent-encoding does

Each character that is not safe in a URL is replaced by a % followed by its UTF-8 bytes in hex. A space becomes %20, & becomes %26, and é becomes %C3%A9.

name=Jane Doe & co

// encodes to

name%3DJane%20Doe%20%26%20co

Encode values, not whole URLs

The encoder works like JavaScript's encodeURIComponent, which also encodes :, /, ? and &. That is right for a single query value or path segment, but it breaks a full URL. Encode each value on its own, then join them into the link.

Decoding

Decoding turns every %XX sequence back into its character. A stray % or a cut-off sequence such as %E2%82 is invalid and shows an error.

A plus sign is left as it is. HTML forms use + for spaces in query strings, so if you need that handled, paste the whole link into the URL Parser instead.

When it helps

  • Building query strings by hand for curl, scripts, or API testing.
  • Passing one URL inside another, such as a ?next= or redirect_uri value.
  • Reading encoded values in server logs and analytics exports.

Frequently asked questions

What does a URL Encoder/Decoder do?
A URL Encoder converts special characters in a URL into a format safe for web use, while a Decoder reverses the process. Our tool helps you encode or decode URLs instantly.
Why do I need to encode a URL?
Encoding a URL ensures special characters, like spaces or symbols, are properly formatted for web browsers and servers to understand, preventing errors in links or queries.
How do I use the URL Encoder/Decoder?
Choose Encode or Decode above the boxes, then paste your text or URL into the input. The result updates as you type; click Copy to take it.
Is URL encoding the same as encryption?
No, URL encoding formats characters for safe web use but doesn’t secure data. It’s not encryption, so don’t use it to protect sensitive information in URLs.