URL Encoder & Decoder Online – Free Web Tool

Encode or Decode URL Strings Instantly for Safe Sharing

How It Works

Paste your URL or string

Enter a full URL, a query string, or just a parameter value. The tool handles both complete URLs and individual components.

Choose encode or decode

Encode converts special characters to percent-encoded format (%20, %26). Decode reverses encoded strings back to readable text.

Copy the result

The encoded or decoded output appears instantly. Copy it for use in API requests, HTML attributes, or browser address bars.

Test edge cases

Try encoding strings with spaces, ampersands, equals signs, and Unicode characters to see exactly how each is handled.

URL Encoding Reference

These are the most common characters that require percent-encoding when used inside URLs or query string values.

Character	Encoded	Why It Needs Encoding
Space	%20	Spaces are not valid in URLs
&	%26	Used to separate query parameters
=	%3D	Separates parameter name from value
+	%2B	Interpreted as space in query strings
#	%23	Marks fragment identifiers
/	%2F	Path separator — must encode in values
?	%3F	Marks start of query string
@	%40	Used in userinfo part of URLs

URL Encoding vs. HTML Encoding

URL encoding (percent-encoding) and HTML entity encoding are two different systems that are often confused. URL encoding replaces unsafe characters with a % followed by two hex digits — used inside URLs and query strings. HTML encoding uses named or numeric entities like & — used inside HTML markup.

A common mistake is double-encoding: running URL encoding on a string that's already encoded, turning %20 into %2520. Use this tool to decode first, verify the plain text, then re-encode if needed.

When building query strings in code, always encode individual parameter values — not the full URL. Encoding the entire URL will break the ://, / path separators, and ?& delimiters. In JavaScript, use encodeURIComponent() for values and encodeURI() for full URLs.

FAQ

What does URL encoding do?

URL encoding converts characters into a safe format for internet transmission. It ensures special characters like spaces, emojis, and symbols are correctly handled in web addresses, APIs, HTTP requests, and search queries.

When should I use a URL encoder or decoder?

When generating shareable URLs, building website menus and routing, creating affiliate links, sending query strings, or working with RESTful APIs.

Can I encode full URLs with emoji, spaces, and Unicode characters?

Yes — the URL Encoder handles emoji, UTF-8 symbols, spaces, punctuation, and special characters to ensure proper browser compatibility and correct link sharing across all platforms.