What is URL encoding?

URL encoding, also called percent-encoding, converts characters into a format that can be safely transmitted over the internet. It replaces unsafe ASCII characters with a '%' followed by two hexadecimal digits. For example, a space becomes %20.

How does the URL Encoder/Decoder work?

Simply enter text in the input field and click 'Encode' to convert it to URL-safe format, or enter URL-encoded text and click 'Decode' to convert it back to readable text. The tool updates in real-time as you type.

What's the difference between encodeURI and encodeURIComponent?

encodeURI encodes a complete URI while preserving characters that are part of the URI syntax (:/?#[]@). encodeURIComponent encodes everything, including those characters, making it safe for query parameter values. This tool supports both modes.

Which characters need URL encoding?

Characters that need encoding include spaces, special characters (&, ?, =, #, +, %), non-ASCII characters, and any character not in the safe set (A-Z a-z 0-9 - _ . ~). The tool automatically encodes these as needed.

How do I encode query parameters correctly?

Use the component encoding mode (encodeURIComponent) for query parameter values. This ensures that special characters like &, =, and ? in your values don't break the URL structure.

Can I decode URL-encoded strings from API responses?

Yes, paste any URL-encoded string into the input and click 'Decode' to convert it back to readable text. The tool handles both full URLs and individual encoded values.

Why do I see %20 or + in URLs?

%20 is the URL-encoded representation of a space. In some contexts, especially form data, spaces may also be encoded as + signs. This tool handles both formats when decoding.

Is the URL Encoder/Decoder free to use?

Yes, the URL Encoder/Decoder on Easy Tools HQ is completely free and works directly in your browser with no registration required. All processing is done locally.

URL Encoder / Decoder

Convert text to URL-safe format and decode URL-encoded strings instantly

URL encoding (percent-encoding) is essential for web development. It converts special characters into a format that can be safely transmitted over the internet. Our URL Encoder/Decoder helps you encode query parameters, form data, and URLs, or decode encoded strings back to readable text — all securely in your browser.

How to Use the URL Encoder / Decoder

Our URL Encoder/Decoder makes it easy to convert text to URL-safe format and back. Here's how to use it:

Choose your mode – Click "Encode" to convert text to URL format, or "Decode" to convert URL-encoded text back to readable text.
Enter your text – Type or paste your text into the input field on the left.
Convert – Click "Encode Now" or "Decode Now" to perform the conversion. The tool also updates in real-time as you type.
Component mode – Toggle "Component Mode" to use encodeURIComponent instead of encodeURI. This encodes ALL characters, making it safe for query parameter values.
Swap – Click "Swap" to exchange the input and output fields, perfect for decoding and then encoding the result.
Copy or download – Click "Copy" to copy the result to your clipboard, or "Download" to save it as a text file.

Encode & Decode

Both directions supported

Component Mode

Safe query parameters

Unicode Support

Emoji & special chars

One-Click Copy

Copy results instantly

Encode

Decode

Text to Encode

Plain Text

68 chars

Characters that will be encoded: space ! " # $ % & ' ( ) * + , / : ; = ? @ [ ]

URL-Encoded Result

Encoded

https%3A%2F%2Fwww.example.com%2Fsearch%3Fq%3Dhello%20world%20%26category%3Dbooks%20%26sort%3Dasc

98 chars

Ready

68 68 B +44%

URL encoding (percent-encoding) converts characters into a format that can be safely transmitted over the internet. Spaces become %20, special characters like & and = get encoded to avoid breaking URL parameters.

Common URL Encodings

Space %20

! %21

" %22

# %23

$ %24

% %25

& %26

' %27

( %28

) %29

* %2A

+ %2B

, %2C

- %2D

. %2E

/ %2F

: %3A

; %3B

< %3C

= %3D

> %3E

? %3F

@ %40

[ %5B

] %5D

^ %5E

_ %5F

` %60

{ %7B

| %7C

} %7D

~ %7E

URL Encoding/Decoding Disclaimer

The URL Encoder/Decoder provided by Easy Tools HQ is for development, testing, and educational purposes only. All encoding/decoding operations are performed locally in your browser — no data is sent to our servers.

Important encoding differences: This tool supports two URL encoding modes:

Standard mode (encodeURI): Preserves URL structure characters (:/?#&=) — suitable for encoding full URLs
Component mode (encodeURIComponent): Encodes ALL special characters — suitable for encoding query parameter values

Character handling: Different programming languages and platforms may handle URL encoding slightly differently. JavaScript's `encodeURI()` and `encodeURIComponent()` follow RFC 3986, but other languages (PHP, Python, Java) may have subtle variations in which characters are encoded.

Sensitive data warning: While all processing is done locally in your browser, be cautious about encoding/decoding sensitive information such as API keys, passwords, or authentication tokens. Browser extensions or compromised networks could potentially access your data.

Unicode/Emoji support: This tool supports Unicode characters and emoji, but note that different systems may encode non-ASCII characters differently (e.g., UTF-8 vs. UTF-16). Always verify encoding in your target environment.

Plus sign handling: In standard URL encoding, spaces become %20. However, in `application/x-www-form-urlencoded` form data, spaces become +. This tool uses %20 for spaces. If you need + encoding, additional processing may be required.

Last Updated: March 2026

Standard & Component modes • Local processing • Unicode support