URL Encoder & Decoder

Percent-encode text for URLs and decode it back.

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.

How are plus signs decoded?

This tool decodes percent-encoded text: a literal + stays a plus sign, %2B becomes +, and %20 becomes a space. Form-encoded query strings can use + for spaces, so check which encoding your source uses.

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.

Related tools

Base64 Encode / Decode
Encode text to Base64 and decode it back.
HTML Entity Encode / Decode
Escape HTML special characters and decode them.
Slug Generator
Turn any title into a clean URL slug.
ROT13 Cipher
Apply the classic ROT13 letter cipher.