How to Encode & Decode URLs Online

Encode special characters in URLs or decode percent-encoded strings instantly. Free URL encoder/decoder with UTF-8 support — runs in your browser.

Open URL Encoder/Decoder →

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Choose encode or decode

Select whether you want to encode plain text into a URL-safe format, or decode a percent-encoded URL string back into readable text.

2

Paste your input

Enter your URL, query parameter, or encoded string into the input field. The tool handles spaces, Unicode characters, ampersands, and all special characters.

3

Get instant results

The encoded or decoded output appears in real-time as you type. Special characters are converted to their %XX hex equivalents (e.g., space becomes %20).

4

Copy and use

Click copy to grab the result. Use encoded strings in query parameters, API calls, or form data. Decoded strings are useful for debugging URLs or reading encoded redirects.

Try It Now — Free

No signup, no download. Runs entirely in your browser.

Open URL Encoder/Decoder

Frequently Asked Questions

What is URL encoding?
URL encoding (percent encoding) replaces unsafe characters with a % followed by two hex digits. For example, spaces become %20, ampersands become %26. This ensures URLs are valid and parseable by browsers and servers.
When should I use encodeURI vs encodeURIComponent?
Use encodeURI for full URLs (preserves :, /, ?, #). Use encodeURIComponent for query parameter values (encodes everything except letters, digits, and - _ . ~). Our tool uses encodeURIComponent for maximum safety.
Does it support Unicode characters?
Yes. Unicode characters are encoded as UTF-8 byte sequences. For example, the emoji face becomes %F0%9F%98%80. All modern browsers and servers handle UTF-8 encoded URLs correctly.
Related Reference

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