URL Encoder & Decoder Online
Encode or decode URLs and query parameters instantly. Your data stays in your browser — nothing is uploaded, nothing is stored.
What Is URL Encoding?
URL encoding, also known as percent encoding, is a mechanism for encoding information in a Uniform Resource Identifier (URI). It converts characters that are not allowed in URLs into a format that can be safely transmitted over the internet. Our free URL encoder online runs entirely in your browser for instant, private conversions.
Why URLs Need Encoding
URLs can only contain a limited set of ASCII characters — letters, digits, and a few special
characters like - _ . ~. Characters outside this set must be
encoded to ensure proper transmission. A URL decoder reverses this process,
converting percent-encoded sequences back to their original characters.
Common Characters That Break URLs
Spaces
Spaces in URLs are encoded as %20. They should never appear raw in a URL.
Ampersand (&)
Used to separate query parameters. Must be encoded as %26 when part of parameter values.
Question Mark (?)
Reserved for the query string separator. Encoded as %3F in path segments.
Equals Sign (=)
Used for key-value pairs in query strings. Encoded as %3D in values.
Real-World Usage
- API Requests — Encode special characters in GET request query parameters to ensure correct server-side parsing.
- Query Parameters — Build URLs with properly encoded parameter names and values for web applications.
- Web Forms — Form data submitted via GET is URL-encoded automatically — decode it to inspect submissions.
- OAuth & Authentication — Encode callback URLs and state parameters in authentication flows.
- International URLs — Encode non-ASCII characters (UTF-8) for URLs containing non-Latin scripts or symbols.
How to Encode & Decode URLs
To encode a URL, paste your text into the input field and click Encode URI. The tool will convert special characters to their percent-encoded equivalents. To decode a URL, paste an encoded string and click Decode URI. You can also use Parse Query String to extract and display key-value pairs from a query string. Use the Copy button to copy the result to your clipboard.