URL Encode & Decode
Percent-encode text for safe use in URLs and decode encoded URLs back to readable text.
Encode and decode URLs instantly
The URL Encoder & Decoder converts text into a URL-safe format (percent-encoding) and decodes encoded URLs back into readable text. Toggle direction, paste your value, and the result appears immediately with one-click copy. It is the quickest way to fix broken links, build query strings, and read encoded URLs — and it all runs privately in your browser.
What is URL encoding?
URLs can only contain a limited set of characters. Spaces, accented letters, and symbols like &, ?, /, and # have special meaning or are not allowed, so they must be replaced with a percent sign followed by their hexadecimal code. For example, a space becomes %20 and an ampersand becomes %26. This process, called percent-encoding, ensures the URL is transmitted and interpreted correctly.
When you need URL encoding
- Query parameters — safely pass values that contain spaces or symbols.
- Search terms — encode user input before adding it to a URL.
- Redirect URLs — encode a full URL so it can be passed as a parameter.
- API requests — build correct request URLs with special characters.
- Debugging — decode an encoded URL to see what it actually contains.
Common encodings
| Character | Encoded |
|---|---|
| space | %20 |
| & | %26 |
| ? | %3F |
| = | %3D |
| # | %23 |
| / | %2F |
How to use it
- Pick Encode or Decode.
- Paste your text or URL.
- Copy the result, or use Swap to feed it back in.
Encoding a value vs a whole URL
This tool uses component encoding, which is the right choice for individual values like a single query parameter or search term — it encodes reserved characters such as & and = so they do not break the URL structure. If you encode an entire URL this way, its slashes and colons will also be encoded, which is expected when you intend to pass that whole URL as a single parameter (for example, a redirect target).
Private and free
All encoding and decoding happen locally in your browser, with nothing uploaded and no limits. Use it as often as you like, completely free.
Frequently asked questions
What does %20 mean in a URL?
%20 is the percent-encoded representation of a space. URLs cannot contain raw spaces, so they are encoded as %20.
When should I URL-encode text?
Whenever you put user input, search terms, or symbols into a URL — especially in query parameters — to keep the URL valid.
What is the difference between encoding a value and a URL?
Component encoding (used here) encodes reserved characters like & and =, which is correct for single values such as one query parameter.
Is it free and private?
Yes. It runs entirely in your browser, with nothing uploaded, and is completely free.