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URL Encode & Decode
Percent-encode query strings and decode URL-encoded text. Handy when debugging APIs and links.
Tip: ⌘/Ctrl + Enter encodes the input.
Why URLs need percent-encoding
URLs can only safely carry a limited set of characters. Spaces, ampersands, equals signs, and non-ASCII text must be percent-encoded (for example, space becomes %20) so servers and browsers parse query strings correctly.
Steps
- Paste the raw query value or full fragment you need to encode.
- Click Encode to produce a percent-encoded string.
- Or paste an encoded string and click Decode to read it.
- Copy the result into your URL, redirect, or API test.
Tips
- Encode parameter values; avoid double-encoding an already encoded string.
- An ampersand (&) separates parameters—encode it inside values or the query will split incorrectly.
- This tool uses encodeURIComponent / decodeURIComponent semantics common in web apps.
Frequently asked questions
When should I URL-encode?
Encode reserved characters in query parameters so servers parse them correctly.
Is this the same as Base64?
No. URL encoding percent-escapes characters for URLs. Base64 is a different binary-to-text scheme.
Why did decoding throw an error?
Malformed sequences such as a lone % or invalid hex digits cannot be decoded. Fix the string and try again.