Why do I need to URL encode a string?

URLs can only contain certain safe characters. Special characters must be encoded to avoid breaking the URL structure. This is essential when passing query parameters, form data, or non-ASCII text in URLs.

What is the difference between URL encoding and decoding?

URL encoding converts plain text into a percent-encoded format safe for URLs. URL decoding does the reverse — it converts percent-encoded characters back to their original plain text form.

Is this URL encoder decoder free?

Yes, this URL encoder and decoder is completely free with no sign-up or login required.

Free Tool

URL Encoder / Decoder

URL-encode special characters for safe use in query strings, or decode percent-encoded URLs back to readable text.

URL Encoded

Data to be URL Encoded

URL Encoded Data

URL Decoded

Data to be URL Decoded

URL Decoded Data

What is URL encoding?

URL encoding (percent-encoding) replaces unsafe characters with a % sign followed by two hex digits. Spaces become %20 or +, & becomes %26, and so on. It is required whenever special characters appear in query string values.

How to use

To encode: type or paste text in the top input — the encoded output updates live.
To decode: type or paste a percent-encoded string in the bottom input — the decoded text updates live.

All encoding happens in your browser — nothing is sent to any server.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between encodeURI and encodeURIComponent?: encodeURI encodes a full URL, leaving characters like /, ?, # intact. encodeURIComponent encodes a single URI component (a query value), encoding those characters too. This tool uses encodeURIComponent for maximum safety.
Is this tool free?: Yes, completely free with no sign-up.

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