URL Encoder / Decoder

URL encoding (also known as percent encoding) converts special characters and spaces in URLs to a format that can be safely transmitted over the internet. Characters are encoded as a percent sign (%) followed by two hexadecimal digits.

URL encoding is essential when working with URL parameters, query strings, form data, and API endpoints. Special characters like spaces, ampersands (&), equals signs (=), and non-ASCII characters must be encoded to work properly in URLs.

encodeURIComponent encodes all special characters except letters, digits, and a few safe characters (-_.!~*'()). encodeURI is less aggressive and preserves characters that have meaning in URLs (like :, /, ?, #). This tool uses encodeURIComponent, which is recommended for encoding URL parameters and query string values.

For encoding entire URLs, you typically only want to encode the query parameters, not the entire URL structure. Use this tool to encode individual parameter values, then construct your URL manually. Encoding the entire URL (including protocol, domain, and path) may break the URL structure.

If the input is not valid URL-encoded text, the decoder will display an error message. Make sure your input is properly URL-encoded (contains percent signs followed by hexadecimal digits) before attempting to decode.