About URL Encoder/Decoder
URLs often break when they contain spaces or special characters. Our URL Encoder/Decoder tool ensures your links are safe for the web (or 'percent-encoded') and helps you decode complex URLs back into readable text. It handles standard UTF-8 characters and reserved symbols instantly in your browser.
Master URL Encoder/Decoder
Read our comprehensive 1000+ word guide on how to use URL Encoder/Decoder effectively.
1How to Use
Step 1
Select 'Encode' to safeguard a string for use in a browser bar.
Step 2
Select 'Decode' to turn a messy URL string back into readable text.
Step 3
Paste your input text into the box.
Step 4
Copy the processed result immediately.
Why Use This Tool?
Application 1
Web Development: Safely pass parameters in GET requests (e.g., ?q=hello world becomes ?q=hello%20world).
Application 2
Debugging: Unwrap complex redirect URLs to see where they actually lead.
Application 3
API Testing: Ensure special characters in API keys or queries don't break the request structure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is URL encoding?
It converts characters into a format that can be transmitted over the Internet (ASCII only), typically replacing unsafe characters with a '%' followed by two hexadecimal digits.
Why do I see %20?
%20 is the code for a 'space' character. Web browsers cannot handle actual spaces in the address bar.
Is data sent to a server?
No, all encoding and decoding happens right here in your browser using JavaScript's native functions.