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.

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