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URL Encoder & Decoder

Percent-encode text for URLs and decode it back.

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This URL encoder and decoder converts text to percent-encoded form — spaces become %20, ampersands become %26 — and decodes it back to normal. It is essential for building query strings and sharing links that contain spaces or special characters.

How to use the URL encoder

  1. Choose Encode or Decode.
  2. Paste the text or the encoded URL.
  3. Copy the converted result.

Why URL-encode?

URLs may only contain a limited set of characters, so anything else must be “percent-encoded” to travel safely. Encoding lets you put spaces, ampersands, accents, slashes and other symbols into query parameters and paths without breaking the link or losing part of a value. Analytics tags, search links and API requests all rely on it.

URL encoding vs. other encoders

URL encoding escapes unsafe characters specifically for links. Base64 re-packs data into an ASCII-safe alphabet for transport, and HTML entity encoding escapes characters for display in a web page. They solve different problems, so pick the one that matches where the text will live.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference from Base64?

URL encoding escapes unsafe characters for links; Base64 re-encodes data into an ASCII-safe alphabet. They solve different problems.

Why did a “+” turn into a space when decoding?

In query strings, “+” traditionally means a space, so the decoder treats it that way. Use %2B if you need a literal plus sign.

Should I encode the whole URL or just the value?

Usually just the individual parameter values. Encoding an entire URL will escape the slashes and colons it needs to work.

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