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URL Encoder & Decoder

Percent-encode text into a safe, link-ready URL, or decode it back to readable text — instantly, in your browser, with nothing uploaded.

What Is a URL Encoder?

A URL encoder (also called a percent-encoder) converts plain text into a form that can safely be placed in a web address. Browsers and servers only allow a limited set of characters in a URL, so anything unsafe — spaces, &, ?, #, =, % and non-ASCII letters — must be escaped using percent-encoding, where each byte is written as a % followed by two hexadecimal digits.

This matters because raw spaces and symbols can break a link, return errors, or be misinterpreted by the server. URL encoding turns, for example, hello world & more into hello%20world%20%26%20more, a long, safe string that works everywhere.

A URL encoder is essential when building query strings, sharing links that contain search text, storing data in a URL parameter, or creating SEO-friendly and URL-safe links. The companion decoder reverses the process, turning an encoded link back into the readable text so you can see exactly what it says.

How to Use the URL Encoder

  1. Choose Encode or Decode from the Action dropdown.
  2. Paste your text or encoded URL into the Input box.
  3. Read the result in the Output box instantly.
  4. Click Copy result to grab it for your link or code.

Example

Encode the input hello world & more → hello%20world%20%26%20more.

Switch the action to Decode and paste hello%20world%20%26%20more → you get back hello world & more. Encoding and decoding are exact inverses.

Common Use Cases

Pro Tips

FAQ

What is URL encoding?

URL encoding (percent-encoding) replaces unsafe characters in a URL with a % sign followed by two hex digits, so spaces, symbols and non-ASCII text can be sent safely.

When do I need to URL encode?

Whenever you build a query string, put text into a link, or send data that may contain spaces, &, ?, #, or non-ASCII characters.

Is it private?

Yes — it runs entirely in your browser and nothing is uploaded.

Why encode spaces as %20?

Spaces are not allowed in a URL, so they are replaced with %20, which is the hexadecimal code for a space byte.

What is the difference between encode and decode?

Encode turns readable text into a URL-safe string; decode converts an encoded string back into readable text.

What does percent-encoding change?

It replaces reserved and unsafe characters — spaces, &, =, ?, #, %, and non-ASCII glyphs — with a %XX escape using UTF-8 encoding.

Should I encode the whole URL or just the value?

Encode only the value part you are inserting. Encoding an entire URL would also escape its structure, breaking it.

Does it handle non-ASCII text?

Yes — non-ASCII characters are converted to their UTF-8 percent-encoded form so links work internationally.

Will it decode an invalid string?

If the input is not valid encoding, the tool shows a message that it could not decode rather than producing garbage.

Is it free and unlimited?

Yes — free, unlimited and with no signup.

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