url-encode-decode

Code & Data Tools

URL Encode and Decode

Percent-encode or decode text for use in URL components and query parameters.

Use UTF-8 text unless the tool specifically asks for encoded data or a file. Your input stays in this page during the text conversion; some specialized pages load libraries from a CDN.

About URL Encode and Decode

URL encoding converts characters that have special meaning or are not safe in a URL component into percent-encoded byte sequences. This tool can encode or decode a component value.

How to use URL Encode and Decode

  1. Choose Encode or Decode.
  2. Paste the URL component text or encoded value.
  3. Run the conversion and check spaces, plus signs, ampersands, and non-ASCII characters.
Important information: Use component encoding for individual query values. Encoding an entire URL can encode separators such as slashes and question marks; choose the right mode for your purpose.

Helpful tips

Keep an unchanged copy of important input before making transformations. Test the output in the target application or validator, especially before using generated code, configuration, links, or converted data in production. The tool does not execute the code you paste.

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Frequently asked questions about URL Encode and Decode

What does URL Encode and Decode do?

URL encoding converts characters that have special meaning or are not safe in a URL component into percent-encoded byte sequences. This tool can encode or decode a component value.

How do I use URL Encode and Decode online?

Enter your input, select any relevant settings, then run the tool. Review the result before copying or downloading it.

Why do URLs need percent encoding?

Some characters have structural meaning or cannot safely appear in URL components. Percent encoding represents their UTF-8 bytes with percent escapes.

Should I encode an entire URL?

Usually not when the URL must retain its separators. Encode query parameter values or components rather than blindly encoding the full URL.

What does a plus sign mean in a URL?

Its interpretation depends on the context. In form-style query data, plus often represents a space; in a URI component, a literal plus may need percent encoding.

For complex code or data files, validate the output with the official parser, formatter, compiler, or application used in your workflow.