Why do I need to URL encode a string?

URLs can only contain certain safe characters. Special characters must be encoded to avoid breaking the URL structure. This is essential when passing query parameters, form data, or non-ASCII text in URLs.

What is the difference between URL encoding and decoding?

URL encoding converts plain text into a percent-encoded format safe for URLs. URL decoding does the reverse — it converts percent-encoded characters back to their original plain text form.

Is this URL encoder decoder free?

Yes, this URL encoder and decoder is completely free with no sign-up or login required.

Free Tool

URL Encoder & Decoder

URL encode special characters for safe transmission or decode percent-encoded strings back to plain text. Free, no sign-up.

URL Encoded

Data to be URL Encoded

URL Encoded Data

URL Decoded

Data to be URL Decoded

URL Decoded Data

What is URL encoding?

URL encoding (percent-encoding) converts characters that are not allowed in URLs into a %XX hexadecimal format. Spaces become %20, ampersands become %26, and so on.

When you need it

You need URL encoding when passing query string values that contain special characters, spaces, or non-ASCII text. Without it, the browser or server may misinterpret your URL.

Common mistake: double-encoding

Avoid encoding a string that is already encoded. Running encode twice turns %20 into %2520, which breaks the URL. Always decode first if you're unsure.

How to use

Type or paste the text you want to encode or decode into the input field.
Click "Encode" to percent-encode special characters, or "Decode" to convert a percent-encoded string back to plain text.
Copy the result with the "Copy" button.

Examples

Simple: Hello World encodes to Hello%20World. The space character is replaced by its percent-encoded value %20.
Developer workflow: A query parameter value contains & and = — for example, a redirect URL. Encode it so the outer URL structure stays intact: https://example.com?redirect= + https%3A%2F%2Fother.com%3Fkey%3Dval.
Edge case: Avoid encoding a string twice. Running encode on %20 produces %2520, which is a different value. Decode first if you are unsure whether the input is already encoded.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is URL encoding?: URL encoding (percent-encoding) converts special characters in URLs into a format safe for web transmission. Characters like spaces, &, =, ?, # and non-ASCII characters are replaced with a % followed by their hex value.
Why do I need to URL encode a string?: URLs can only contain certain safe characters. Special characters must be encoded to avoid breaking the URL structure. This is essential when passing query parameters, form data, or non-ASCII text in URLs.
What is the difference between URL encoding and decoding?: URL encoding converts plain text into a percent-encoded format safe for URLs. URL decoding does the reverse — it converts percent-encoded characters back to their original plain text form.
Is this URL encoder decoder free?: Yes, this URL encoder and decoder is completely free with no sign-up or login required.

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