URL Encoder / Decoder
Encode or decode URL-encoded strings. Works with full URLs or individual components. All processing is local.
About this tool
The URL Encoder / Decoder lets you encode or decode URL-encoded strings instantly in your browser. URL encoding (also called percent-encoding) converts characters that aren't safe in a URL — spaces, symbols, non-ASCII characters — into %XX format recognized by all web servers and browsers.
This tool uses JavaScript's encodeURIComponent() for encoding, which escapes all special characters including / ? & = #. This makes it ideal for encoding individual query parameter values, form data, or any text you need to embed safely in a URL. The decode function reverses the process, turning percent-encoded strings back into readable text.
All processing happens locally in your browser — your data never leaves your device.
How to use
- Paste your text or URL into the Input field. You can paste a full URL, a query string, or any text containing special characters.
- Click Encode or Decode. Click "Encode" to convert special characters to percent-encoded format, or "Decode" to convert percent-encoded text back to readable form.
- Copy the result. Click "Copy Result" to copy the output to your clipboard. Use "Swap" to move the output back to input for round-trip testing.
Frequently asked questions
What is URL encoding and why do I need it?
URL encoding converts special characters into a format that can be safely transmitted over the internet. Characters like spaces, ampersands (&), and non-ASCII characters are replaced with % followed by their hexadecimal code (e.g., space becomes %20). It's essential when including user input in query strings, building API calls, or crafting shareable links.
What's the difference between encodeURI and encodeURIComponent?
encodeURIComponent encodes all special characters including / ? & = #, making it suitable for encoding individual query parameter values. encodeURI preserves characters that have structural meaning in a URL, so it's better for encoding entire URLs. This tool uses encodeURIComponent for thorough encoding.
Is my data stored or shared?
No. All encoding and decoding happens locally in your browser via JavaScript. The text you enter is never stored, logged, or transmitted to any server.
Does this work on mobile?
Yes. The URL Encoder / Decoder is fully responsive and works on all modern browsers including iOS Safari and Android Chrome.