URL Encoder / Decoder

Percent-encode & decode text for URLs.

Encode and decode URL percent-encoding two ways, with a choice of component (encodeURIComponent) or full-URI (encodeURI) escaping, plus a live query-string breakdown that decodes every parameter into a table. Handles + as a space the way submitted forms do, and flags malformed escapes clearly. 100% in your browser — nothing is uploaded.

How to use URL Encoder / Decoder

  1. Choose direction

    Select Encode to percent-encode text for a URL, or Decode to turn an encoded link back to readable text, instantly and free in your browser.

  2. Pick the scope

    When encoding, choose Component to escape a single query value or path piece, or Full URI to encode a whole link while keeping its structure intact.

  3. Paste your text

    Type or paste a URL or string into the input box and the percent-encoded or decoded result appears live, with %20 for spaces and %26 for ampersands.

  4. Read the output

    Review the converted result on the right, where a malformed percent-escape like a lone % is caught and flagged with a clear error you can fix.

  5. Inspect query params

    Paste a full URL and the query string is broken out into a decoded key and value table, so you can read every parameter at a glance.

  6. Swap and copy

    Use the one-click Swap button to flip a result back through the URL encoder and decoder, then copy the finished output straight to your clipboard.

Frequently asked questions

When should I use component vs full-URI encoding?

Use “Component” (encodeURIComponent) when you’re encoding one piece — a single query-string value, a path segment or a form field — because it escapes everything, including / ? & = #. Use “Full URI” (encodeURI) for a whole URL, since it leaves those structural characters intact so the link still works.

Why did my + signs turn into spaces when decoding?

In query strings, a space is often encoded as + (the application/x-www-form-urlencoded format). This decoder converts + back to a space so submitted form values read correctly. If you need a literal +, it should be encoded as %2B.

What does the “malformed percent-escape” error mean?

Percent-encoding uses % followed by two hex digits (e.g. %20). A lone % or %2 with a missing digit is invalid, so decoding can’t proceed. Fix or remove the stray % and it’ll decode fine.

How do I encode or decode a URL online?

Paste your text or link into this free URL encoder and decoder, choose Encode or Decode, and the percent-encoded result appears instantly. Use the Swap button to flip a result back, and the query-parameter table to see every value decoded.

What is URL encoding (percent-encoding)?

URL encoding, also called percent-encoding, converts unsafe characters into a % followed by two hex digits so they can travel safely in a URL — a space becomes %20 and an ampersand becomes %26. This URL encoder/decoder handles it both ways automatically.

How do I decode a percent-encoded URL like %20 back to text?

Switch this tool to Decode and paste the encoded string — it converts escapes like %20 back to spaces and %26 back to ampersands, and also turns + into a space the way query strings do. Malformed escapes are flagged with a clear error.

Is this the same as Base64 or encryption?

No. URL encoding only makes characters safe to put in a URL — it’s fully reversible and not secret. For Base64 use the Base64 tool, and for hashing or passwords use the Hash or bcrypt generators.

How do I encode special characters like spaces and & in a URL?

Paste your text and choose Encode — a space becomes %20 (or + in query strings) and an ampersand becomes %26, so the characters travel safely in a link. Use Component encoding for a single query value and Full URI for a whole address.

Is URL encoding case-sensitive and reversible?

The percent-escapes use hex digits that are case-insensitive (%2F and %2f are the same), and encoding is fully reversible — decoding returns your exact original text. Remember that URL encoding is about safe transport, not secrecy; it is not encryption.

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