URL Encoder & Decoder

URL Encoder & Decoder

Quickly encode or decode URLs, query strings and individual URL components directly in your browser.

URL encoding converts characters that cannot safely be used inside a URL into a format that can be transmitted reliably between browsers, servers and applications.

What is URL encoding?

URL encoding, sometimes called percent encoding, replaces certain characters with a % symbol followed by their hexadecimal value.

For example:

hello world

becomes:

hello%20world

The space character is represented as %20, allowing the value to be safely included within a URL.

Why do URLs need encoding?

URLs can contain special characters that have a specific meaning or cannot be transmitted safely without being encoded.

URL encoding is commonly required when working with:

• Query string parameters
• API requests
• Redirect URLs
• Search terms
• Form values
• File names
• Dynamic links
• OAuth and authentication callbacks

Encode a URL

Use the encoder to convert text or URL components into a URL-safe format.

For example:

name=John Smith

can be encoded as:

name%3DJohn%20Smith

This is particularly useful when passing user-provided values or another URL as part of a query string.

Decode a URL

The decoder performs the reverse operation, converting percent-encoded characters back into their original readable form.

For example:

Hello%20World%21

becomes:

Hello World!

This can be useful when debugging APIs, inspecting query strings, reviewing redirects or working with encoded application data.

URL encoding for developers

Encoding URL components correctly helps prevent malformed requests and ensures values are interpreted as intended by the receiving application.

Most programming languages provide built-in URL encoding and decoding functionality, but this tool provides a quick way to encode or inspect values without writing code or opening a development environment.