URL Encoder & Decoder
Encode URLs and query strings or decode %-encoded text instantly. Switch between full URL and component encoding. Free, runs in your browser, no signup.
How It Works
Using URL Encoder & Decoder in 3 Steps
Pick Encode or Decode
Select Encode to convert plain text or a URL into percent-encoded form. Select Decode to convert a %-encoded string back into readable text.
Choose Mode
Component mode escapes every reserved character — perfect for embedding values inside a query parameter. Full URL mode preserves URL structure characters and is for encoding an entire URL.
Copy the Output
The output updates instantly. Click Copy to grab it, or Swap to flip the result back into the input for chained encode/decode steps.
Use Cases
Who Uses URL Encoder & Decoder?
API & Backend Developers
Build query strings safely, debug malformed redirect URLs, and decode user-submitted parameters when troubleshooting webhook payloads or OAuth flows.
Web & SEO Specialists
Inspect tracking URLs with UTM parameters, decode encoded share links, and verify analytics URLs are properly escaped before launch.
QA & Security Engineers
Reproduce edge cases by encoding special characters, decode payloads found in logs, and inspect URLs during penetration tests.
FAQ
URL Encoder & Decoder — Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before you start.
When should I use URL encoding?
Whenever you put text inside a URL — query parameter values, path segments with special characters, or anchor fragments. Characters like spaces, &, =, ?, /, #, and non-ASCII letters must be percent-encoded so the URL is parsed correctly.
What is the difference between Component and Full URL mode?
Component mode (encodeURIComponent) escapes everything that isn't a safe character — including ?, &, =, /, # — so it's safe to embed inside another URL as a parameter value. Full URL mode (encodeURI) preserves URL structure characters and is meant for encoding an entire URL once.
Is my input sent to a server?
No. The encoder runs entirely in your browser using built-in JavaScript functions. Your text never leaves your device.
Why am I getting 'Invalid URL-encoded string'?
The decoder expects valid percent-encoded sequences (%20, %3D, etc.). If you see that error, your input contains a malformed % followed by non-hex characters. Check that every % is followed by exactly two hex digits.
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