How to use the URL Encoder / Decoder
- Enter your details in the fields above.
- See your results instantly - free, no signup.
- Copy, share or bookmark the result.
What Is the URL Encoder / Decoder?
URLs can only contain certain characters. When you need to include special characters, spaces, or non-ASCII text in a URL, they must be "encoded" - converted to a percent-encoded format (e.g., space becomes %20). The URL Encoder / Decoder handles both directions instantly.
This is an essential tool for web developers, marketers building tracked URLs, and anyone working with APIs or query parameters.
How It Works
Paste your text or URL into the input field. Click "Encode" to convert special characters to percent-encoded format, or "Decode" to convert encoded text back to readable form. The output appears below, ready to copy.
The tool handles all standard URL encoding, including spaces, special characters, and international characters. Invalid encoded strings will show an error message when decoding.
Use Cases
- Web developers encoding query parameters for API calls and URLs.
- Marketers ensuring UTM parameters are properly encoded in tracking URLs.
- QA testers debugging URL encoding issues in web applications.
- Data analysts working with encoded URLs in analytics reports.
- Anyone who needs to decode a messy URL to read its parameters.
URL Encoding Best Practices
- Always encode user input before including it in URLs.
- Use our UTM Builder tool which handles encoding automatically.
- Encode individual parameter values, not entire URLs.
- Be aware that different programming languages may encode characters slightly differently.
- Test encoded URLs by decoding them to verify accuracy.
Useful for
- Encoding query parameters before using them in API calls
- Decoding messy URLs to read their parameters clearly
- Debugging URL encoding issues in web applications
- Preparing UTM parameters for marketing campaign URLs
Who should use it
- Web developers working with APIs and query strings
- Marketers building tracked URLs with UTM parameters
- QA testers debugging URL-related issues
- Data analysts decoding encoded URLs from analytics reports
Common mistakes to avoid
- Encoding an entire URL instead of just the parameter values
- Double-encoding strings that are already encoded
- Not testing decoded output to verify the encoding was correct
- Using encodeURI when encodeURIComponent is needed (or vice versa)
When not to use it
- When the URL contains only safe characters (letters, numbers, basic punctuation)
- For base64 encoding/decoding - that's a different encoding scheme
- If you're using a framework that handles URL encoding automatically
Frequently asked questions
What characters need encoding?
Spaces, &, =, ?, #, %, +, and most special characters need encoding when used in URL parameters. Letters, numbers, and -, _, ., ~ are safe without encoding.
What is the difference between encodeURI and encodeURIComponent?
This tool uses encodeURIComponent, which encodes all special characters. encodeURI leaves characters like :, /, and ? intact because they have meaning in URLs.
Why does my decoded URL show an error?
The input may contain invalid percent-encoded sequences (like %ZZ). Ensure the input is a properly encoded URL string before attempting to decode.
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