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Free URL Encoder & Decoder

Encode text to URL-safe format (percent encoding) or decode encoded URLs back to normal text. All conversion happens in your browser for maximum security.

Last Updated: 15 Jan 2026

Decoded String

Encoded Result

What is URL Encoding?

URL encoding (also called percent encoding) is a mechanism for encoding information in a Uniform Resource Identifier (URI). It converts special characters, spaces, and non-ASCII characters into a format that can be safely transmitted over the internet. Special characters are replaced with a percent sign (%) followed by two hexadecimal digits representing the character's ASCII code.

URL encoding is essential for web development because URLs can only contain a limited set of characters (letters, digits, and a few special characters). Any character outside this set must be encoded to ensure URLs work correctly across all browsers, servers, and network protocols.

Why Use Our Free URL Encoder/Decoder?

100% Client-Side

All encoding and decoding happens entirely in your browser. Your data never leaves your device, ensuring complete privacy and security.

Instant Conversion

Encode or decode URLs instantly as you type. No delays, no server requests. Get results immediately for faster development workflow.

RFC 3986 Compliant

Our encoder follows RFC 3986 standards, ensuring encoded URLs are compatible with all browsers, servers, and web standards.

Common Use Cases for URL Encoding

Web Development

Query Parameters
Encode URL query parameters that contain special characters, spaces, or non-ASCII characters to ensure they work correctly.
API Requests
Encode data in API request URLs, especially when passing user input, search terms, or special characters as parameters.
Form Data
Encode form data before submitting via GET requests or when constructing URLs programmatically from user input.

Data Processing

URL Decoding
Decode URL-encoded strings to read parameters, extract data from URLs, or process encoded query strings.
Debugging URLs
Decode encoded URLs to understand what data they contain, debug URL construction issues, or analyze web traffic.
SEO & Analytics
Decode URL parameters from analytics tools, UTM parameters, or tracking URLs to understand user behavior and campaign data.

Common URL Encodings

Character

Encoded

Space

%20

%21

%40

%23

%24

%26

%3D

%3F

Frequently Asked Questions

What is URL encoding (percent encoding)?

URL encoding (also called percent encoding) converts special characters in URLs to a format that can be safely transmitted over the internet. Special characters are replaced with a percent sign (%) followed by two hexadecimal digits. For example, a space becomes %20.

When should I use URL encoding?

Use URL encoding when including special characters, spaces, or non-ASCII characters in URL parameters, query strings, or path segments. This ensures URLs work correctly across all browsers and servers.

What characters need to be encoded in URLs?

Characters that need encoding include spaces, special characters (!, @, #, $, etc.), and non-ASCII characters. Reserved characters like &, =, ?, /, and # have special meanings in URLs and should be encoded when used as data.

Is my data secure when using this tool?

Yes, all URL encoding and decoding happens entirely in your browser using JavaScript. Your data never leaves your device, ensuring complete privacy and security.

What's the difference between URL encoding and Base64?

URL encoding (percent encoding) is specifically designed for URLs and replaces special characters with %XX codes. Base64 encodes binary data to ASCII text. They serve different purposes and aren't interchangeable.

Do I need to encode all special characters?

Not all characters need encoding. Letters, digits, and characters like -_.~ are safe in URLs. Encode spaces, special characters (!@#$%^&*), and non-ASCII characters to ensure URL compatibility.

Can I encode entire URLs?

Typically, you only encode URL parameters, query strings, or path segments—not the entire URL. Encoding the full URL would break the URL structure (protocol, domain, etc.).

What about double encoding?

Double encoding occurs when an already-encoded string is encoded again. This creates issues. Always decode first, then re-encode if needed. Our tool handles both encoding and decoding correctly.