What is URL encoding?

URL encoding (percent-encoding) replaces unsafe characters in a URL with a percent sign followed by two hex digits. For example, a space becomes %20 and & becomes %26.

What is the difference between Component and Full URL?

Component encodes everything, including reserved characters like ?, & and =. Use it for query parameter values. Full URL preserves reserved characters that have structural meaning. Use it for complete URLs.

When should I use URL encoding?

Use it when passing user input or arbitrary text in query strings, form data, API requests or anywhere a URL needs to contain characters that would otherwise be unsafe or ambiguous.

Is my data sent anywhere?

No. All encoding and decoding happens in your browser. Your text never leaves your device.

Should I use + or %20 for spaces?

Use %20 in URLs. The + character represents a space only in application/x-www-form-urlencoded form data, not in URLs. Modern practice is to use %20 everywhere in URL paths and query strings.

Why is my URL still broken after encoding?

Likely you encoded the whole URL instead of just the parameter value. Encode only the value, then build the URL with & and = as separators. If the whole URL is encoded, the server treats it as one giant path segment.

URL Encoder & Decoder

Encode or decode URLs and query parameters. Two modes: Component encodes everything including ?, & and = (use it for query values), Full URL preserves reserved characters (use it for complete URLs). Result updates as you type.

How to use

Choose encode or decode

Select Encode to percent-encode text, or Decode to convert encoded text back.

Pick Component or Full URL

Component encodes everything (use for query values); Full URL preserves reserved characters (use for complete URLs).

Enter your input

Type or paste the text or URL.

Copy the result

Copy the encoded or decoded output to your clipboard.

EncodeDecode

ComponentFull URL

Plain text input

0 characters

Encoded output

Output appears here...

Features

Component and Full URL modes

Choose the right encoding for query values vs complete URLs.

Instant conversion

The result appears as you type.

Swap input and output

Reverse the direction with one click.

Character count

See how many characters are in the input and output.

Common use cases

Encode a query parameter value for a URL
Decode a percent-encoded URL from a log or API
Prepare form data for transmission
Encode user input for a search query

Frequently Asked Questions

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