URL Encode/Decode
Free online URL encoder and decoder. Encode or decode URLs and query parameters instantly with proper percent-encoding.
About This Free Online URL Encode/Decode
Our free URL encoder and decoder converts text to and from percent-encoded format, the form web addresses use to safely carry spaces and special characters. Encoding turns characters like spaces, ampersands, and question marks into percent codes such as %20, so they can travel in a URL without breaking it, while decoding turns those codes back into readable text. Paste your text, choose encode or decode, and the result appears instantly. Developers use it constantly when building query strings, debugging links, working with APIs, and inspecting tracking parameters. Handling percent codes by hand is slow and error-prone, so an instant converter saves time and avoids mistakes. Everything runs locally in your browser, so it is immediate, free, requires no signup, and your data stays private.
Features of Our URL Encode/Decode
- Encode mode — converts special characters to percent-encoded format
- Decode mode — converts percent-encoded URLs back to readable text
- Handles all Unicode characters and special symbols
- Real-time conversion as you type
- Copy result to clipboard with one click
- 100% free and private — no server processing
How to Use the URL Encode/Decode
The URL Encode/Decode works right in your browser — no signup, no installation. Follow these steps:
- Type or paste the text or URL you want to encode or decode.
- Click Encode to convert to percent-encoded format.
- Click Decode to convert an encoded URL back to plain text.
- Use the Copy button to copy the result to your clipboard.
Frequently Asked Questions About URL Encode/Decode
What is URL encoding?
URL encoding (percent-encoding) converts characters that are not allowed in URLs into a format that is safe for transmission. Special characters like spaces, &, ?, and # are replaced with % followed by their ASCII hex code (e.g., a space becomes %20).
What characters are encoded in URLs?
Characters that must be encoded include spaces, &, ?, =, #, %, ~, [, ], and non-ASCII characters. Letters, digits, and characters like - _ . ~ are typically left as-is in standard URL encoding.
Does this handle Unicode characters?
Yes. Our tool properly encodes Unicode characters using UTF-8 encoding before percent-encoding, which is the standard approach used by modern web browsers.
Why Choose the URL Encode/Decode?
Converting data should be quick and lossless. The URL Encode/Decode transforms your input the instant you paste it, handles edge cases cleanly, and does all the work in your browser — so there is no upload, no waiting, and no copy of your data on a server somewhere.