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URL Encoder / Decoder: Encode and Decode URL Strings Instantly

By Tooladex Team •
URL EncoderURL DecoderPercent EncodingQuery ParametersDeveloper Tools
URL Encoder / Decoder: Encode and Decode URL Strings Instantly

Need to encode a query parameter, decode a redirect URL, or safely put special characters in a URL? The URL Encoder / Decoder encodes or decodes text using standard percent encoding — with one click for component (query/form values) or full URL (preserves : / ? #).

Dev scenario: You’re building a search link and the term is hello world & co. Encode it as a component → hello%20world%20%26%20co. Or paste https%3A%2F%2Fexample.com%2Fpath and decode to get the full URL. All processing runs in your browser; no data is sent to any server.

What is URL Encoding?

URL encoding (percent encoding) replaces characters that are not allowed or reserved in URLs with a % followed by two hexadecimal digits. For example, a space becomes %20, ? becomes %3F, and & becomes %26. This lets you safely include spaces, special characters, and Unicode in query parameters and other URL parts.

It is not encryption — it is a reversible transformation. Anyone can decode a URL-encoded string. Use it for building valid URLs and passing data in query strings, not for hiding information.

Why Use a URL Encoder / Decoder?

Query parameters — Encode search terms, filters, and key-value pairs so ?, &, =, and spaces don’t break the URL.

Form data — Encode form field values for application/x-www-form-urlencoded or query strings.

Redirect URLs — Encode a full URL as a parameter (e.g. ?redirect=https%3A%2F%2Fexample.com) or decode it to read or validate.

API requests — Build or debug query strings and path segments that contain special characters.

Debugging — Decode encoded URLs or parameters to read them clearly.

How the URL Encoder / Decoder Works

  1. Choose mode — Encode (text → URL-encoded) or Decode (URL-encoded → text).
  2. Choose encoding type — Component (default): use for query parameter values and form data; encodes almost everything including / ? # & =. Full URL: preserves : / ? # [ ] @ ! $ & ’ ( ) * + , ; =; use when encoding or decoding a complete URL.
  3. Enter input — Type or paste text to encode, or a URL-encoded string to decode.
  4. Copy output — Result updates as you type; copy with one click.

The tool uses JavaScript’s encodeURIComponent / decodeURIComponent for component mode and encodeURI / decodeURI for full URL mode. All processing runs in your browser; no data is sent to any server.

Component vs Full URL

Component encoding (encodeURIComponent): Encodes almost all reserved characters. Use for query parameter values and form field values so that / ? # & = do not break the URL. Example: ?q=hello%20world.

Full URL encoding (encodeURI): Encodes spaces and some other characters but preserves : / ? # [ ] @ ! $ & ’ ( ) * + , ; =. Use when encoding or decoding a complete URL and you want to keep its structure. Decode with the same mode you used to encode.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between component and full URL encoding?
Component encoding is for query parameter values and form data; it encodes / ? # & = etc. Full URL encoding preserves those so a complete URL stays valid. Use component for parameter values; use full URL when encoding or decoding an entire URL.

Why do I get a decode error?
The input may contain a malformed percent sequence (e.g. %2 or %xy with invalid hex), or the string was encoded with the other mode. Try toggling “Decode as full URL” if it was encoded as a full URL.

Is URL encoding the same as encryption?
No. URL encoding is reversible and offers no secrecy. Do not use it to hide sensitive data; use proper cryptography if you need confidentiality.

Privacy

All processing runs in your browser. We don’t send or store your input or output.

Try the URL Encoder / Decoder

URL Encoder / Decoder

Encode or decode URL-encoded strings. Use for query parameters, form data, and URLs. Supports component encoding and full URL encoding.

Try Tool Now

The URL Encoder / Decoder is free, works in your browser, and requires no sign-up. Encode or decode URL-encoded strings for query parameters, form data, and full URLs — with component or full URL mode. Perfect for developers and anyone building or debugging URLs.

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