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URL Encoder/Decoder – Encode and decode URLs and URL components

Encode and decode URLs and URL components

How to Use This Tool

Paste a URL or query string, then encode or decode it so it works correctly in links and APIs.

When Should You Use This Tool?

Use this when spaces, symbols, or non-English characters break a URL or when you’re building query parameters.

See also: Unit Converter, Coin Flip .

What is URL Encoding/Decoding?

URL encoding (also called percent encoding) converts characters into a format that can be safely transmitted over the internet. URLs can only contain certain characters, so special characters, spaces, and non-ASCII characters must be encoded. This tool helps you encode text for URLs or decode encoded URLs back to readable text.

When to Use This Tool

URL encoding is essential in web development and internet usage:

  • Web Development: Encode query parameters, form data, or path components
  • API Integration: Properly encode data for API requests
  • Link Sharing: Encode URLs with special characters for sharing
  • Debugging: Decode encoded URLs to understand what data they contain
  • SEO: Handle URLs with special characters or non-English text

How URL Encoding Works

URL encoding replaces unsafe characters with a percent sign (%) followed by two hexadecimal digits. For example, a space becomes %20, and special characters like &, =, and ? are encoded to prevent conflicts with URL structure. This ensures URLs are valid and data is transmitted correctly.

Quick Guide

  1. Select encode or decode operation
  2. Enter your text or encoded URL
  3. Click "Process" to convert
  4. Copy the result for use in your application

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between encodeURI and encodeURIComponent?
This tool uses encodeURIComponent, which encodes all special characters. encodeURI preserves some characters like :, /, ?, # that are part of URL structure. Use encodeURIComponent for query parameters and encodeURI for full URLs.
Why do I need to encode URLs?
URLs have strict character rules. Spaces, special characters, and non-ASCII characters can break URLs or be misinterpreted. Encoding ensures all characters are safely transmitted.
Can I encode entire URLs?
For full URLs, you typically only encode the query parameters or path segments, not the entire URL. Encoding the whole URL (including http://) will break it.
What happens if I decode invalid encoded text?
The decoder will attempt to decode, but invalid encoding sequences may result in errors or unexpected characters. Always ensure your encoded text is valid before decoding.
Does it handle Unicode characters?
Yes, Unicode characters are properly encoded using UTF-8 encoding, then percent-encoded. This allows URLs to contain characters from any language.

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