URL Encoder & Decoder
Encode special characters for query strings, or decode percent-encoded URLs back to readable strings. Processing is done entirely in your browser.
How URL Encoding (Percent-Encoding) Works
Query Parameter Escaping
URLs can only contain characters from the standard US-ASCII set. Special characters like spaces, question marks, ampersands, slashes, or curly brackets have specific meanings in standard web protocol routing, or are unsafe to transmit raw. URL encoding translates these special characters into a `%` symbol followed by their two-digit hexadecimal representation (e.g. spaces become `%20`).
`encodeURI` vs `encodeURIComponent`
Use `encodeURI` when you want to encode a full working URL address — it leaves symbols like `http://`, `?`, `/`, and `&` intact. Use `encodeURIComponent` when encoding data parameters to be placed inside a query string query — it encodes every special symbol (including slashes and query marks) so they do not break parameter separations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are spaces sometimes encoded as + instead of %20?
Historically, standard query string forms encoded spaces as `+` based on form submission guidelines (`application/x-www-form-urlencoded`). Modern APIs and web URLs prefer `%20` as defined by RFC 3986 specs.
Does URL encoding provide encryption or security?
No, URL encoding is merely a data format conversion to ensure compatibility with network protocols. It is easily readable and provides no cryptographic obfuscation or security whatsoever.
Experiencing an issue with URL Encoder & Decoder?
Notice a bug, calculation error, or unexpected result? Let us know.