URL Encoder / Decoder

Quick overview

What URL encoding is

URL encoding converts characters that could break a link into a safe representation. That is why spaces become %20 and characters like & or = are escaped before the text is sent through a URL or query string.

Best fit

Who should use this tool

This tool is useful for developers, marketers, analysts, and anyone who works with links, query parameters, tracking data, or API endpoints.

Example

Encode a URL with spaces

Input: https://example.com/search?q=hello world. Output after encoding: https://example.com/search?q=hello%20world. That shows how reserved characters are safely escaped.

Examples

Common URL encoding examples

Short examples make it easier to spot when a URL should be encoded or decoded. They also help explain why a link looks different after it has been passed through a system that escapes reserved characters.

• Space → %20 in a search query or path segment.
• & inside a parameter value becomes escaped so it does not split the query string.
• Email-style text in a URL needs escaping when it is part of a link or parameter.
• Special characters in search queries are encoded so the server reads them correctly.
• Decoded query strings are easier to inspect when debugging a redirect or tracking link.

How it works

URL encode vs decode

Encode when you need a safe version of a URL or component. Decode when you want to read the encoded text again. Both actions are useful when you work with links that include spaces, symbols, or tracking parameters.

When to use it

When URL encoding is required

Use URL encoding when you are building API query parameters, sending redirect targets, adding tracking values, submitting form data into a link, or debugging a URL copied from logs. It keeps the text safe while preserving the meaning of the destination.

Comparison

URL encoding vs Base64 vs JSON escaping

URL encoding is for links and query strings, Base64 is for text-safe transport, and JSON escaping is for string values inside JSON. They overlap in developer work, but each one solves a different syntax problem.

• URL encoding is for links and parameters.
• Base64 is for text-safe data transport.
• JSON escaping protects quoted string values inside JSON.
• Base64 is not a replacement for link encoding.

Comparison

Encoded URL vs readable URL

An encoded URL is safer for transport through systems that expect escaped characters, while a readable URL is easier for humans to inspect. This tool lets you switch between both states quickly.

Reliability

Common decode errors

Most decode issues come from partial encoding, malformed percent sequences, already-decoded input, or double-encoded links. The error message should help you decide whether the text needs one more decode pass or a manual fix.

Trust signal

General use only

This tool is for general use and processes URLs locally in the browser. It will show a clear error if the input cannot be decoded safely.