URL Encoder Decoder
Encode text into safe percent-encoded URLs or decode them back instantly, right in your browser.
Component to encode a single value, or Full URL to keep : / ? & = intact. Use Decode URL to reverse percent-encoded characters like %20 → space. Shortcut: Ctrl+Enter to encode.
All processing happens in your browser. Supports full Unicode via encodeURIComponent / encodeURI.
What does this URL Encoder Decoder do?
This tool converts text and web addresses into a safe, percent-encoded format that browsers and servers can read without errors, and reverses that process to turn encoded strings back into readable text. It offers two encoding modes, so you can escape a single value such as a search term or username, or encode a full web address while keeping its structural characters intact.
As you type, it also breaks down any query string in the input into a readable key and value table, and flags text that appears to have been encoded more than once. All processing runs directly in your browser, so nothing you paste is ever sent to a server.
What Is URL Encoding (Percent-Encoding)?
A URL can only contain a limited set of plain ASCII characters. Letters, digits, and a small group of symbols are allowed as is, but spaces, accented letters, and characters like &, =, and # have to be represented differently because they either fall outside that allowed set or already have a special meaning inside a web address.
URL encoding, also called percent-encoding, solves this by replacing each unsafe or reserved character with a percent sign followed by two hexadecimal digits that represent its byte value, for example a space becomes %20. Decoding simply reverses that substitution, turning the percent-encoded sequences back into the original characters. Browsers, servers, and APIs rely on this format to pass links, search terms, and form data around correctly without the address breaking apart or being misread.
How to Use This URL Encoder Decoder?
- Choose a mode. Select Component to escape every special character in a single value, or Full URL to keep characters like
: / ? & =untouched. - Paste your text or link. Enter it into the input box. A live character count appears just above the field as you type.
- Click Encode URL or Decode URL. The result replaces the input instantly, and a status message confirms whether the action succeeded.
- Check the query breakdown. If your input contains a
?followed by parameters, each key and its decoded value appear automatically in a table below. - Watch for the double-encoding notice. If the tool detects a value that looks encoded twice, a banner appears with a one-click Decode Fully option.
- Copy or clear. Use Copy to send the result to your clipboard, or Clear to reset the field and start again.
Built-In Features
Two Encoding Modes
Switch between Component mode for escaping a single value and Full URL mode for encoding an entire address while preserving its structure.
Instant Encode and Decode
Convert text to percent-encoded form or reverse it back to readable text in one click, with a clear success or error status shown after every action.
Query String Breakdown
Any query string in your input is automatically split into a table of keys and decoded values, so you can review parameters without reading raw percent codes.
Double-Encoding Detection
If your input looks like it has been encoded more than once, such as %2520 instead of %20, a banner appears with a one-click fix for quick and easy correction.
One-Click Copy
Copy the current result straight to your clipboard with a single click, confirmed by a brief on-screen toast message.
Browser-Based, No Sign-Up
Everything runs locally in your browser using standard JavaScript encoding functions. No text is uploaded, and no account is required.
Component Mode or Full URL Mode: Which Should You Use?
Both modes escape unsafe characters, but they treat the characters that give a URL its structure differently. Picking the right one keeps a working link from breaking apart during encoding.
Component Mode
Escapes every reserved character, including : / ? & = #. Use it when encoding a single value, such as a search query or a parameter, that will be inserted after an existing ? or & in a larger URL without affecting other URL parts.
Full URL Mode
Leaves the characters that separate a URL’s parts, such as : / ? & =, untouched so the link stays clickable. Use it when encoding a complete address, including the protocol, domain, and query string, in one pass.
If a full address encoded in Component mode stops working, that is usually why: the slashes, colons, and question mark got escaped along with the text, and the browser can no longer read the address’s structure. Switch to Full URL mode and encode again.
Common Characters and Their Encoded Values
A handful of characters cause most encoding issues because they carry special meaning inside a URL. Here is how the common ones are represented once encoded.
| Character | Encoded As | Why It Needs Encoding |
|---|---|---|
| Space | %20 | Not allowed in a URL; breaks the address at that point |
| & | %26 | Separates query parameters |
| = | %3D | Separates a parameter key from its value |
| ? | %3F | Marks the start of the query string |
| # | %23 | Marks the start of a page fragment or anchor |
| / | %2F | Separates path segments |
| + | %2B | Often interpreted as a space in query strings |
| : | %3A | Separates the protocol from the rest of the address |
This is exactly what Component mode does automatically for every character in this category. Full URL mode leaves : / ? # and a few others alone so the address keeps working as a link.
How to Fix Common URL Encoding and Decoding Errors
Most problems people run into with percent-encoded text come down to a handful of predictable causes. Here is what to check when something looks wrong.
“URI malformed” or decode error
This usually means a percent sign is followed by fewer than two valid hex digits, often from text that was cut off or edited by hand. Check for a stray % near the end of the string and either complete or remove it.
Link breaks after encoding
If a full web address stops working once encoded, it was likely run through Component mode, which escapes the slashes and colons a browser needs to read the address. Re-encode it in Full URL mode instead.
Decoded text still shows % symbols
Leftover percent signs after decoding are a sign the text was encoded twice. Look for the double-encoding banner above the input, or click Decode URL a second time to completely remove the remaining encoded layer.
A parameter shows up empty
In the query string breakdown table, an empty value usually means the source link was built without a value after the equals sign, not that the tool failed to decode it. Check where the link was generated.
Common Reasons to Encode or Decode a URL
Sharing Links in Messages
Links with spaces or special characters can break when pasted into chat apps. If you are building a click-to-chat link with our WhatsApp Link Generator, encoding the pre-filled message text first keeps the link from splitting apart.
Encoding URLs for QR Codes
A web address with unencoded spaces or symbols can scan incorrectly. Cleaning up a link here before pasting it into our QR Code Generator helps the resulting code point to the right page every time.
Debugging API Requests
When a request fails or returns unexpected data, decoding the query string reveals exactly which parameters and values were actually sent, without you having to read raw percent codes by hand.
Reading Server Logs
Server and analytics logs often store URLs in their raw, encoded form. Decoding a logged address back to plain text makes it far easier to see which search term or page a visitor actually requested.
Useful Tips
Double-Encoding Banner
If you paste a value that has already been encoded once, decoding it again can leave leftover percent signs. Let the tool’s banner decode it fully in one step instead.
Match the Mode to the Task
Use Component mode for a single value that will be dropped into an existing link, and Full URL mode for an entire address, so structural characters are not escaped by mistake.
Query Breakdown to Spot Errors
If a parameter is missing or shows an empty value in the breakdown table, that usually means the query string was built incorrectly before it reached you.
Use the Keyboard Shortcut
Press Ctrl+Enter (or Cmd+Enter on a Mac) while typing to encode your input instantly, without reaching for the mouse or interrupting your current typing flow.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I encode a URL online?
Paste your text or link into the input box, choose Component or Full URL mode, and click Encode URL. The percent-encoded result replaces the input instantly.
How do I decode a URL online?
Paste the encoded text into the input box and click Decode URL. Percent-encoded sequences such as %20 are converted back to their original characters.
Is this URL encoder decoder free?
Yes. The tool is free to use and does not require an account or sign-up.
What is the difference between Component mode and Full URL mode?
Component mode escapes every special character and is meant for a single value. Full URL mode leaves structural characters like colons, slashes, and question marks untouched so a complete address keeps working as a link.
What does the query string breakdown show?
If your input contains a question mark followed by parameters, each key and its decoded value are listed in a table below the input, making the query easier to read at a glance.
What does the double-encoding warning mean?
It means part of your input, such as %2520, looks like it was already percent-encoded and then encoded a second time. The banner lets you decode it fully in one click.
Why does decoding sometimes show an error?
This usually happens when a percent-encoded sequence is incomplete or malformed, such as a stray percent sign not followed by two valid hex digits. Check the input for cut-off or manually edited encoded text.
Does this tool send my data to a server?
No. All encoding and decoding happens locally in your browser. Nothing you type or paste is uploaded or stored anywhere.
Does this support characters outside English, like accents or emoji?
Yes. The tool supports full Unicode text, so accented letters, non-Latin scripts, and emoji are encoded and decoded correctly.
Can I copy the result with one click?
Yes. The Copy button sends the current input field content to your clipboard, and a small confirmation message appears once it succeeds.
Does this tool work on mobile devices?
Yes. The tool is fully responsive and works the same way on phones, tablets, and desktop browsers.
Is there a limit to how much text I can encode or decode?
There is no fixed character limit built into the tool itself. Very long text is fully supported, though extremely large inputs may take slightly longer to process in your browser.