How to use the URL Encoder and Decoder
Paste your text or URL part, choose encode or decode and copy the result. Encode one query value or path piece at a time.
Why URLs need encoding
URLs can only carry a limited set of characters, and some, like ?, & and #, have special meanings. If a search term or a name contains them, the link breaks or sends the wrong data. Encoding swaps each unsafe character for a % followed by its code, so hello world becomes hello%20world.
Encode parts, not whole links
Encode each value you put into a link, such as a search term or a redirect address, rather than the whole URL. Encoding a full link turns its own slashes and colons into codes and breaks it. When decoding, a + in a query string often means a space, because older web forms use that style.
Reading an encoded string
An encoded string replaces each unsafe character with a percent sign and two hex digits. %20 is a space, %26 is an ampersand, %3D is an equals sign and %2F is a slash. Letters, digits and the symbols - _ . ~ never need encoding. Decode a link when you want to see what a tracking parameter or redirect address actually says.
Examples
- With the default values
hello%20world%20%26%20tools
Limitations and assumptions
Results are estimates for general information. Check assumptions and inputs before relying on them.
Frequently asked questions
What does %20 mean?
It is an encoded space. Every encoded character is a % followed by two hex digits.
Should I encode the whole URL?
No. Encode the individual values you insert, such as query parameters, so the link structure stays intact.
Is my text sent anywhere?
No. Encoding and decoding happen in your browser.