URL Encoder / Decoder — Encode & Decode URLs Online Free [2026]
Encode or decode URLs instantly online. Percent-encode special characters for safe web use or decode percent-encoded strings back to readable text. Free, no install.
What is URL Encoder / Decoder?
How to Use URL Encoder / Decoder
1. Paste your URL or text into the input box. 2. Click "Encode" to convert special characters to percent-encoded format, or "Decode" to reverse the process. 3. The result appears instantly — click "Copy" to copy it to your clipboard. Tip: Use "Encode" when building query strings or embedding URLs inside other URLs. Use "Decode" when reading logged URLs or debugging API requests.
How URL Encoder / Decoder Works
Common Use Cases
- Encoding query parameters before appending them to a URL
- Decoding percent-encoded URLs from server logs or API responses
- Building and debugging API request URLs with special characters
- Converting spaces and symbols in file names to URL-safe format
- Understanding encoded URLs in browser address bars
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between encodeURI and encodeURIComponent?▼
encodeURI() encodes a complete URL and preserves characters like /, ?, =, & that have structural meaning in URLs. encodeURIComponent() encodes an individual component (like a query parameter value) and encodes those structural characters too. For encoding query parameter values, always use encodeURIComponent.
Why does a space become %20 or +?▼
In standard percent encoding, a space is %20. In HTML form data (application/x-www-form-urlencoded), spaces are encoded as +. Both are valid depending on context. This tool uses %20 (RFC 3986 standard), which is correct for modern APIs and URLs.
Which characters need to be URL encoded?▼
All characters except A-Z, a-z, 0-9, and -_.~ must be percent-encoded in URL components. Common ones: space → %20, & → %26, = → %3D, + → %2B, / → %2F, ? → %3F, # → %23, @ → %40.
Can I encode a full URL or just a part?▼
You should only encode URL components (path segments, query values), not the full URL. Encoding the full URL would break the protocol prefix (https://), slashes, and other structural characters. If you need to embed a URL inside another URL as a parameter value, encode the inner URL first.
Is URL encoding the same as Base64?▼
No. URL encoding (percent encoding) converts individual characters to %XX hex codes for safe URL transmission. Base64 encodes binary data into ASCII text using 64 printable characters. They solve different problems — use URL encoding for URLs and Base64 for encoding binary content in text contexts.
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