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URL Encoder / Decoder

URL Encoder / Decoder

Encode or decode URL strings safely for web usage.

Result

Configure inputs and run the tool

Results will appear here

About this URL Encoder / Decoder

The URL Encoder Decoder is a free online tool for encoding special characters in URLs and decoding percent-encoded URL strings back to their original form. URL encoding converts characters that are not allowed in URLs into valid percent-encoded sequences, which is essential for building query parameters, handling form submissions, and processing API endpoints. This URL converter ensures your web addresses remain valid and secure across all browsers and servers.

How to use the URL Encoder / Decoder

  1. 1 Type or paste the URL or text you want to encode or decode into the Input field.
  2. 2 Choose "Encode URL" to convert special characters to percent-encoded format, or "Decode URL" to convert percent-encoded sequences back to readable text.
  3. 3 Click the Run button to process your input instantly.
  4. 4 Copy the encoded or decoded result from the output area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do URLs need to be encoded?
URLs can only contain certain ASCII characters. Characters like spaces, quotes, and non-ASCII symbols must be encoded as percent-encoded sequences (e.g., a space becomes %20). URL encoding ensures data is transmitted correctly without breaking the URL structure.
What is the difference between URL encoding and HTML encoding?
URL encoding (percent-encoding) converts characters for use in URLs by replacing them with % followed by hex codes. HTML encoding converts characters like < and > into entity references like &lt; and &gt; for safe display in web pages. They serve different purposes in web development.
Does this tool handle Unicode characters?
Yes, the URL encoder handles Unicode and UTF-8 characters correctly. Characters like é, , and CJK characters are encoded into their percent-encoded byte sequences as per RFC 3986 standards.
Can I decode a full URL with query parameters?
Yes, you can paste a complete encoded URL with query parameters and the decoder will convert all percent-encoded sequences back to readable characters. This is useful for debugging tracking links and analyzing API request URLs.

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