URL Encoder / Decoder
Encode and decode URLs and query parameters instantly.
URL Parser
Paste a complete URL above to break it down into its components:
What is URL Encoding?
URL encoding (also called percent encoding) is a method of converting special characters into a format that can be safely transmitted over the internet. It replaces unsafe characters with a percent sign followed by two hexadecimal digits. For example, a space becomes %20, and an ampersand becomes %26. This is essential for URLs and query parameters that contain special characters.
How to Use the URL Encoder & Decoder
Paste your URL or query parameter into the input box. Choose your encoding mode (encodeURIComponent for individual parameters, or encodeURI for complete URLs), then click "Encode URL" to convert special characters to their percent-encoded form. To decode a URL, simply paste the encoded URL and click "Decode URL". The URL Parser section automatically breaks down complete URLs into their components (protocol, host, path, query parameters, etc.).
Encoding Modes Explained
- encodeURIComponent: Encodes most special characters including : / ? # [ ] @ ! $ & ' ( ) * + , ; = Use this for encoding query parameter values or individual URL components.
- encodeURI: Preserves structure characters (: / ? # [ ] @) so you can encode complete URLs without breaking them. Use this for encoding full URLs while preserving the URL structure.
Common Characters and Their Encodings
| Character | Encoded | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Space | %20 | Between words in URLs and parameters |
| & | %26 | Separator between query parameters |
| = | %3D | Key-value separator in query strings |
| ? | %3F | Query string indicator |
| # | %23 | Fragment identifier |
| + | %2B | Often represents space in form data |
| / | %2F | Path separator |
Use Cases for URL Encoding
- Query parameters: Encode user input in search forms and filters.
- API requests: Encode parameters before sending to API endpoints.
- Email links: Encode special characters in mailto URLs.
- Redirect URLs: Encode URLs used in redirect parameters.
- Analytics tracking: Encode campaign parameters and UTM codes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do some characters in URLs get encoded?
Certain characters have special meanings in URLs (like ? and &) or aren't allowed in URLs (like spaces). Encoding converts these to a safe format that servers can correctly interpret.
What's the difference between encodeURIComponent and encodeURI?
encodeURIComponent encodes everything including URL structure characters, making it safe for query parameter values. encodeURI preserves structure characters, making it suitable for encoding complete URLs.
Can I decode any encoded URL?
Yes, as long as it's properly encoded. Invalid or partially encoded URLs may produce unexpected results. The tool will attempt to decode what it can.
Is my data stored or shared?
No. All encoding and decoding happens entirely in your browser. Your data is never sent to any server and is never stored.
Why does the URL Parser show different parts?
URLs have standardized components: protocol (http://), host (domain.com), path (/path/to/page), query string (?param=value), and fragment (#section). The parser breaks these down for clarity.
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