URL Encoder / Decoder
Encode and decode URL components — perfect for query string manipulation
💡 Encodes special characters including ?, /, &, =, #, spaces and Unicode
About This Tool
URL encoding (also known as percent-encoding) converts special characters into a format that can be safely transmitted in URLs. This free online URL encoder/decoder handles both encoder modes — for query parameters and for full URLs — with instant bidirectional conversion.
Essential use cases include encoding user input before appending it as URL query parameters, decoding URLs from web server logs for inspection, handling non-ASCII characters in internationalized URLs, and preparing data for REST API calls that include special characters.
The tool provides two encoding modes: encodeURIComponent for query parameters (encodes everything including ?, &, and /) and encodeURI for full URLs (preserves structural characters). A convenient swap button lets you quickly switch between encoder and decoder modes.
How to Use
- Paste the text or URL segment to convert.
- Choose Component mode for query parameter values, or full URI mode to keep structural characters.
- Click Encode or Decode — or use Swap to reverse direction.
- Copy the result into your link, config or code.
Tip: Anything that goes inside a query parameter value should use Component mode, always.
Common Mistakes
1. Wrong mode for query values
Full-URI mode preserves the ampersand, equals sign and question mark. Inside a parameter value those characters must be encoded, or they will split your query string apart.
2. Double encoding
Encoding an already-encoded string turns spaces into the percent-twenty-five sequence. Decode first, then encode once — the percent sign is itself encoded.
3. Treating plus as space
The plus sign means space only inside form-encoded bodies, not in standard percent-encoding. Decoding a URL-encoded path with form rules corrupts plus signs that were meant literally.
4. Encoding the whole URL
Encoding an entire URL including its scheme and slashes breaks the link structure. Encode the parts, not the address.