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URL Encoder & Decoder
Convert text and URLs into a URL-safe encoded format, or decode an already-encoded value back into readable text. Runs entirely in your browser.
Encode or decode
What Is URL Encoding?
URL encoding replaces characters that aren't allowed in a URL with a percent sign
followed by a two-digit hex code. A space becomes %20, an ampersand
becomes %26, and so on. This lets any text be safely included in a URL
without breaking it.
Why Are URLs Encoded?
URLs can only contain a limited set of characters safely. Spaces, quotes, ampersands, and non-English characters all have special meaning or aren't allowed as-is. If you put a value containing these characters directly into a URL, such as a search query or a redirect parameter, it can break the link or get interpreted incorrectly. Encoding avoids that.
How to Encode a URL
- Paste the text or URL into the box above.
- Click Encode.
- Copy the encoded result.
Use the checkbox above the buttons if you're encoding a full URL and want to keep
characters like :, /, and ? untouched, they
have meaning in the URL structure itself and usually shouldn't be encoded.
How to Decode a URL
Paste an encoded value into the box and click Decode. Percent-encoded sequences are converted back into their original characters.
URL Encoding Examples
| Original | Encoded |
|---|---|
| hello world | hello%20world |
| a&b | a%26b |
| 50% off | 50%25%20off |
| café | caf%C3%A9 |
Frequently asked questions
What is URL encoding used for?
URL encoding lets text with spaces, symbols, or non-English characters be safely included in a URL without breaking it.
What is the difference between encoding a value and encoding a full URL?
Encoding a single value converts every special character, including slashes and colons. Encoding a full URL leaves characters that define the URL structure, such as :, /, and ?, untouched.
Why does decoding sometimes fail?
Decoding fails when the text contains a percent sign that is not followed by a valid two-digit hex code, which means the text is not actually URL-encoded or is corrupted.
Is this URL encoder free?
Yes. It is free to use and does not require signup.
More free tools
Need to inspect a URL's parts instead? Try the URL parser, or make a long link shorter with the URL shortener. See the full list of tools.