URL Encoder — Free Online URL Encoding & Decoding Tool

Encode and Decode URLs for Safe Web Transmission

Our URL encoder and decoder lets you quickly encode URLs for safe transmission over the internet or decode encoded URLs back to their original format. URL encoding (also known as percent encoding) is essential for web developers working with APIs, query parameters, form submissions, and handling special characters in URLs.

What is URL encoding? URL encoding converts special characters and spaces in URLs into a format that can be safely transmitted over the internet. Special characters like spaces, ampersands (&), equals signs (=), and non-ASCII characters are replaced with percent signs (%) followed by their hexadecimal code. For example, a space becomes %20, and an ampersand becomes %26.

When should you use URL encoding? Web developers use URL encoding when building query strings for GET requests, passing parameters in URLs, submitting form data, working with REST APIs, handling user input in URLs, and ensuring special characters don't break URL structure. Proper URL encoding prevents errors and security issues in web applications.

This free online URL encoder works entirely in your browser — your URLs are never sent to any server, ensuring complete privacy and security. No registration required, no file size limits, and instant results. Perfect for developers, API integrations, and anyone working with URLs.

How to Use the URL Encoder

  1. Choose mode: Select "Encode" to convert text to URL-encoded format, or "Decode" to convert encoded URLs back to text
  2. Enter your URL or text: Paste the URL or text you want to encode, or paste an encoded URL to decode
  3. Click the action button: Press "Encode URL" or "Decode URL" to process your input
  4. Copy the result: Use the "Copy" button to copy the encoded or decoded output to your clipboard
  5. Use in your project: The encoded URL is ready to use in your API calls, query strings, or web applications

Frequently Asked Questions

What is URL encoding?

URL encoding (percent encoding) converts special characters and spaces in URLs into a safe format using percent signs (%) followed by hexadecimal codes. This ensures URLs work correctly when transmitted over the internet.

When should I use URL encoding?

Use URL encoding when building query strings, passing parameters in URLs, submitting form data via GET requests, working with REST APIs, handling user input in URLs, or ensuring special characters don't break URL structure.

What characters need to be encoded?

Characters that need encoding include spaces (become %20), ampersands (& become %26), equals signs (= become %3D), plus signs (+ become %2B), and any non-ASCII characters. Reserved characters like /, ?, #, and [ ] also need encoding in certain contexts.

Is this URL encoder secure?

Yes! Our URL encoder works entirely in your browser using JavaScript. Your URLs are never sent to any server — all encoding and decoding happens locally on your device, ensuring complete privacy and security.

What's the difference between encodeURI and encodeURIComponent?

encodeURIComponent encodes more characters (including /, ?, #, etc.) and is used for encoding individual URL components. encodeURI is used for encoding entire URLs and preserves certain characters. Our tool uses encodeURIComponent for maximum compatibility.

URL Encoder & Decoder Tool

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