Free Online URL Encoder and Decoder
Encode or decode URLs, query strings, and special characters with our free online URL encoder and decoder. URL encoding, also known as percent-encoding, converts characters that aren't allowed in a URL into a format that browsers and servers can safely transmit. Whether you're building an API request, debugging a query string, or working with special characters in a link, this tool converts your text instantly. Completely free, no registration required, and all processing happens securely in your browser.
Component Encoding vs Full URL Encoding
Component Encoding (using encodeURIComponent) escapes every special character, including / ? & = : #. Use this when encoding a single value that will be placed inside a query string parameter, form field, or path segment - for example turning a search phrase or an email address into a safe query string value.
Full URL Encoding (using encodeURI) leaves the structural characters of a URL untouched - such as : / ? & # - so the overall URL structure still works, while still escaping spaces and other unsafe characters. Use this when you have a complete URL and only want to escape unsafe characters within it, not the URL structure itself.
Key Features
Instant Conversion: Encode or decode text the moment you click, with no delays or page reloads.
Two Encoding Modes: Switch between component and full URL encoding depending on what you're working with.
Error Handling: If you try to decode text that isn't validly encoded, the tool tells you clearly instead of failing silently.
Common Use Cases
API Development: Encode query parameters, search terms, or form values before sending them in an API request.
Debugging Links: Decode a long, encoded URL to read its actual content and understand what data it's carrying.
Web Development: Safely embed special characters, spaces, or non-English text inside URLs and query strings.
How It Works
Paste your text or URL into the input box and choose Component or Full URL encoding based on what you're working with. Click Encode to percent-escape special characters, or Decode to convert an encoded string back into readable text. The result appears instantly in the output box, ready to copy.
Start Encoding or Decoding URLs Now!
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