URL Encoder Decoder – Encode & Decode URLs Online Free

How to Use the URL Encoder/Decoder

1. Choose Encode to convert plain text to a URL-safe format, or Decode to reverse a percent-encoded string back to readable text.
2. For encoding, pick the encoding type — Full (encodeURIComponent) for individual values, or Partial (encodeURI) for entire URLs.
3. Paste or type your input in the top box.
4. The converted output appears instantly in the bottom box.
5. Click Copy to copy the result to your clipboard.

What Is URL Encoding?

URL encoding (also called percent-encoding) is the process of converting characters that have special meaning in URLs — like spaces, ampersands, and question marks — into a format that can be safely transmitted over the internet. Each reserved character is replaced with a % sign followed by its two-digit hexadecimal ASCII code. For example, a space becomes %20 and an ampersand becomes %26. This ensures that URLs are interpreted correctly by browsers, servers, and APIs without breaking.

Common Uses for URL Encoder/Decoder

• API development — encode query string parameters so special characters don't break requests.
• SEO & marketing — encode tracking parameters in UTM links and campaign URLs.
• Web debugging — decode encoded URLs from logs or browser address bars to read them clearly.
• Form submissions — handle user input that contains spaces, symbols, or non-Latin characters.
• Email links — build mailto: links with pre-filled subject and body text.
• Database & log analysis — interpret encoded entries in server logs.

Why Choose Our URL Encoder/Decoder

• Privacy-first — 100% browser-based. Your URLs and data never leave your device.
• Instant — real-time encoding/decoding as you type.
• Two encoding modes — full (encodeURIComponent) and partial (encodeURI) for different use cases.
• Bidirectional — switch between encode and decode with a single click.
• No signup, no tracking, no ads in your data.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between encodeURI and encodeURIComponent?

encodeURI is for entire URLs and leaves structural characters like : / ? # & = untouched. encodeURIComponent is for individual URL parts (like query parameter values) and encodes everything except unreserved characters. Use encodeURIComponent when encoding values you're inserting into a URL; use encodeURI when encoding a full URL string.

When should I URL-encode a string?

Any time text contains spaces, special characters (&, ?, #, =, +), or non-ASCII characters (like é, ñ, 中) and you're putting it into a URL. Encoding ensures the URL is interpreted correctly by browsers and servers.

Why do spaces become %20 sometimes and + other times?

In the path part of a URL, spaces are encoded as %20. In query strings (after the ?), spaces are often encoded as + for historical reasons (from HTML form submissions). Both are valid in their contexts.

Are encoded URLs safe to share?

Yes. Percent-encoding is a standard, lossless transformation — anyone with a decoder (including all browsers) can reverse it. It's not encryption; it's only a transport format.

Does this tool work offline?

Yes. Once the page is loaded, all encoding and decoding happens locally in your browser using built-in JavaScript functions.