URL Encoder & Decoder — Free Online Tool
What is URL encoding?
URL encoding (also called percent-encoding) converts characters that have a reserved meaning in URLs — spaces, &, =, ?, #, /, and non-ASCII characters — into %XX hex codes. For example, a space becomes %20 and an ampersand becomes %26. Encoding keeps URLs unambiguous so browsers, servers, and proxies parse them identically.
How to use
- Pick Encode or Decode.
- Choose Component for values, or Full URL to keep URL structure intact.
- Type or paste your text — conversion happens in real time.
- If you paste a valid URL, the URL Breakdown table parses it into protocol, host, path, query parameters, and fragment.
- Use Swap to flip input and output.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between Component and Full URL mode?
Component mode uses encodeURIComponent — it encodes every special character including reserved ones like :, /, ?, #, and &. Use it for encoding query parameter values, form fields, or any string you'll embed inside a URL. Full URL mode uses encodeURI — it preserves the URL structure characters so the result remains a valid URL. Use it when encoding a whole URL containing spaces or non-ASCII characters.
When should I URL-encode a string?
Encode any user-supplied string before placing it in a URL — query parameters, path segments, hash fragments, or form-encoded request bodies. Without encoding, characters like spaces, &, =, ?, /, and + change the URL's meaning and break parsing on the server side.
Why does %20 sometimes show up as + ?
Both encode a space, but in different contexts. application/x-www-form-urlencoded form data uses + for spaces. URL paths and modern query strings use %20. encodeURIComponent always produces %20 — if you need + for a form submission, replace %20 with + after encoding.
Is URL encoding the same as encryption?
No. URL encoding is a deterministic transformation that makes data safe to transmit in URLs — it's fully reversible by anyone and provides no security. Never use it to hide sensitive information.
Does this tool send my data to a server?
No. All encoding, decoding, and the URL breakdown table run entirely in your browser using built-in JavaScript APIs. Your input never leaves your device.