What is URL encoding?
URL encoding (also called percent-encoding) converts special characters in a text or URL into a format that can be safely used in URLs by replacing them with `%` followed by two hexadecimal digits.
URL Encode & Decode
Convert text to a safe URL format or decoded
Text to Encode
Encoded text to Decode
Related Tools
URL Encode and Decode Strings
Convert text to a safe URL format or decode percent-encoded text back into readable form instantly. This tool lets you encode strings for use in query parameters or decode encoded URLs safely — all within your browser.
How do I use this tool?
Paste your plain text or encoded URL into the input box, select whether you want to Encode or Decode, pick a character set (like UTF-8), then click the appropriate button. The tool instantly shows the result.
What are the steps to encode or decode?
- Paste your text or URL-encoded string into the input field.
- Select the mode: Encode (plain → URL-safe) or Decode (URL-encoded → plain).
- Choose a character encoding type (e.g., UTF-8, ASCII).
- Click the action button to process your input.
- Copy the output for use in URLs, APIs, forms, or debugging.
Why use URL Encode & Decode?
URL encoding ensures that special characters like spaces, question marks, and ampersands are converted into a safe format that browsers and servers can process without errors. Decoding allows you to read or analyze previously encoded text.
- Safe URL formatting: Avoid broken links by encoding unsafe characters.
- Readable output: Decode percent-encoded strings back into human-readable text.
- Browser-based: All processing happens locally in your browser — no uploads, no external storage.
Who Is This Tool For?
Helpful for safely encoding and decoding URLs and parameters.
- Web Developers: Testing query strings and APIs.
- QA Engineers: Debugging URL-related issues.
- SEO Specialists: Verifying encoded URLs.
Tips for best results
Follow these best practices when encoding or decoding URLs:
- Use UTF-8 encoding to support international characters and emojis.
- Encode only the portions of the URL that need it (such as query values).
- When debugging URLs, always decode the string first to understand its content.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the URL Encode & Decode tool do?
It converts plain text into a percent-encoded format for safe URL use or decodes a URL-encoded string back into readable text. :
When should I use URL encoding?
Use it when constructing URLs that contain special characters (like spaces or symbols) so they are interpreted correctly by browsers and servers.
Is my data safe when using this tool?
Yes — everything happens locally in your browser (no data is uploaded or stored externally).
Can I encode non-English text?
Yes — using UTF-8 ensures that characters from other languages and emojis are encoded correctly.
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