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URL Encode & Decode Tool

Easily encode or decode your URLs and query strings. Useful for developers debugging API calls, digital marketers fixing tracking URLs, and anyone working with URL parameters.

? How to Encode and Decode URLs

  • Step 1: Paste Your Text - Enter the URL or text string you want to encode or decode in the input box.
  • Step 2: Click Encode - To convert special characters to % format (spaces become %20, & becomes %26). Use this before adding text as URL parameter.
  • Step 3: Click Decode - To convert percent-encoded text back to readable characters (%20 becomes space). Use this to read encoded URLs.
  • Step 4: View Result - Converted text appears in output area instantly. Review to ensure conversion is correct.
  • Step 5: Copy Result - Click copy button to copy the encoded/decoded text to clipboard for use elsewhere.
  • Step 6: Common Characters - Space = %20, & = %26, = = %3D, ? = %3F, / = %2F, # = %23, : = %3A

Frequently Asked Questions

What is URL encoding?

URL encoding (percent-encoding) replaces unsafe ASCII characters with a '%' followed by two hexadecimal digits representing the character's byte value. This ensures URLs transmit correctly across all systems.

Why do URLs need encoding?

URLs can only contain certain characters (letters, numbers, and some symbols). Special characters like spaces, &, =, ?, and international characters must be encoded to avoid breaking URL structure or being misinterpreted.

What's the difference between %20 and + for spaces?

Both represent spaces, but in different contexts. %20 is standard URL encoding for all URL parts. + is only valid in query string values (after ?) for application/x-www-form-urlencoded format. %20 is safer and works everywhere.

Is my data safe using this tool?

Yes! This tool runs entirely in your browser (client-side JavaScript). Your data is never sent to any server. You can verify by disconnecting from internet—the tool still works. Perfect for sensitive URLs.

When should I encode vs decode?

Encode: When adding user-generated text to URLs, building API requests, or creating links with special characters. Decode: When reading encoded URLs, debugging tracking links, or extracting readable parameter values from URLs.

Why is my URL double-encoded?

Double encoding happens when already-encoded text gets encoded again (%20 becomes %2520). This breaks URLs. Solution: Only encode once. If unsure, decode first to get raw text, then encode for final URL. Our tool handles single-pass encoding.