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URL Encoder & Decoder

Encode or decode full URLs and URI components with precise control over reserved characters, space handling, and percent encoding — perfect for debugging query strings and APIs.

Text/URL Input

Examples:

URL Encoded Output

Options

How It Works

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Input URL or Text Data

Paste URLs, query parameters, file paths, or any text containing special characters into our online URL encoder. Support for complete URLs, URI components, form data, file names, and international characters. Our URL tool handles both encoding and decoding operations.

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Configure URL Encoding Options

Choose between encode or decode mode, select space encoding (+ or %20), enable component-level encoding with encodeURIComponent, handle reserved characters (: / ? # [ ] @), and customize encoding behavior for different URL parts and web standards.

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Encode or Decode URLs Instantly

Click 'Encode' to convert text to URL-safe format or 'Decode' to convert encoded URLs back to readable text. Our URL encoder processes data locally with no server uploads. Get instant results with proper percent encoding and RFC 3986 compliance.

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Copy or Use Encoded URLs

Copy encoded URLs to clipboard, download as text files, or use directly in web applications, forms, and APIs. Perfect for query string parameters, GET requests, REST API endpoints, file uploads, and creating safe links with special characters.

Problems It Solves

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Problem

Mis-encoded query strings break APIs and analytics tracking when reserved characters or spaces slip through unescaped.

Solution

Switch between URI and component encoding to preserve structure while percent-encoding only what is required. Choose + or %20 for spaces to meet platform-specific expectations.

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Problem

Troubleshooting encoded URLs is frustrating when % sequences are invalid or double-encoded, producing unreadable text.

Solution

Decode mode cleans up + characters, verifies percent sequences, and surfaces errors when the payload is malformed so you can fix upstream logic quickly.

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Problem

Front-end and backend teams often need to share canonical examples of encoded URLs for documentation and onboarding.

Solution

Generate consistent, standards-compliant URLs with metadata on encoded characters and lengths to drop directly into docs, tests, or Postman collections.

Why Choose This Tool

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Accurate by Default

The tool honors RFC 3986 rules, automatically correcting space handling and reserved characters so you can trust every encoded output.

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Built for Developers

Toggle modes, inspect metadata, copy outputs, and download payloads without leaving the page. Tool history keeps past conversions handy during debugging sessions.

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Secure Local Processing

No networking and no logging — the encoder runs entirely in your browser, keeping production URLs, tokens, and PII safe.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is URL encoding?
URL encoding (percent encoding) converts characters into a format that can be safely transmitted over the internet by replacing unsafe characters with % followed by hex codes.
When should I use encodeURI vs encodeURIComponent?
Use encodeURI for complete URLs to preserve the URL structure. Use encodeURIComponent for individual parameters or components that may contain reserved characters.
Should spaces be encoded as + or %20?
In query parameters, spaces can be + or %20. In URL paths and most other contexts, use %20. The + encoding is specific to application/x-www-form-urlencoded format.
Are there characters that don't need encoding?
Yes, unreserved characters (A-Z, a-z, 0-9, -, ., _, ~) don't need encoding. Reserved characters (: / ? # [ ] @ ! $ & ' ( ) * + , ; =) may need encoding depending on context.
How do I encode URLs online safely?
Use our URL encoder tool to safely encode URLs and query parameters. All encoding happens in your browser - no URLs are sent to servers, ensuring privacy for sensitive links and API endpoints.
What characters need to be URL encoded?
Special characters like spaces, &, =, ?, #, %, +, and non-ASCII characters must be URL encoded. Our tool automatically identifies and encodes these characters with their percent-encoded equivalents.
How do I decode URL encoded strings?
Switch to "Decode" mode and paste your URL-encoded string. The tool will convert percent-encoded characters (%20, %21, etc.) back to their original form, making URLs human-readable.
Why do I see %20 instead of spaces in URLs?
%20 is the URL-encoded representation of a space character. URLs cannot contain literal spaces, so they must be encoded as %20 or sometimes + in query parameters.
Can I encode query parameters separately?
Yes, use the "Component" mode to encode individual query parameters or URL components. This is essential when parameter values contain special characters like &, =, or #.
What's the difference between URL encoding and HTML encoding?
URL encoding uses percent signs (%) for web addresses and HTTP requests. HTML encoding uses ampersand entities (&) for displaying content in web pages. Use the appropriate encoding for your context.
How do I fix "Invalid URL" errors?
Invalid URL errors often occur due to unencoded special characters. Use our URL encoder to properly encode your URLs, especially query parameters and path components with special characters.
Can I encode non-English characters in URLs?
Yes, the tool supports UTF-8 encoding for international characters, emojis, and symbols. Non-ASCII characters are automatically converted to their percent-encoded form for URL compatibility.
What are common URL encoding mistakes?
Common mistakes include: not encoding query parameters, double-encoding URLs, using + for spaces in paths (should be %20), and not encoding special characters in form data.
How do I encode URLs for API requests?
For API requests, encode query parameters using "Component" mode to ensure special characters don't break the URL structure. This is crucial for search queries, user input, and dynamic parameters.

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