URL Encoder & Decoder
Encode and decode URLs online for free. Convert special characters for safe URL transmission. Fast, secure, and RFC 3986 compliant.
Plain Text Input
📝 Examples:
Original: hello world
Encoded: hello%20world
Original: user@example.com
Encoded: user%40example.com
Original: 50% off!
Encoded: 50%25%20off!
How to Use
Follow these simple steps for quick results
- 1Choose "Encode" or "Decode" mode
- 2Enter your text or URL-encoded string
- 3View the result automatically
- 4Copy the encoded/decoded result to clipboard
- 5Switch modes to reverse the operation
Key Features
↔️ Encode and decode in one tool
⚡ Real-time conversion
🔄 Swap input and output
📋 One-click copy
🌐 RFC 3986 compliant
🔒 100% browser-based
✨ Clean interface
🆓 Unlimited use
Frequently Asked Questions
What is URL encoding?
URL encoding (also called percent-encoding) converts characters into a format that can be safely transmitted over the Internet. Special characters are replaced with "%" followed by two hexadecimal digits. For example, a space becomes %20.
When should I use URL encoding?
Use URL encoding when you need to include special characters in a URL, such as spaces, ampersands, or non-ASCII characters. It is essential for query parameters, form data, and any text that will be part of a URL.
What characters need to be URL encoded?
Characters that need encoding include spaces, special characters (!*'();:@&=+$,/?#[]), and non-ASCII characters. Safe characters that do not need encoding are letters (A-Z, a-z), numbers (0-9), and a few special characters (- _ . ~).
What is the difference between URL encoding and Base64 encoding?
URL encoding is specifically designed for URLs and replaces special characters with % codes. Base64 encoding converts binary data to ASCII text using a specific character set. URL encoding is for URLs, while Base64 is for encoding binary data in text format.
Can I encode an entire URL?
You typically encode only parts of a URL, such as query parameter values. Encoding the entire URL would make it invalid. For example, encode "hello world" to "hello%20world" for use in a query parameter.
Is URL encoding secure?
URL encoding is not encryption and provides no security. It only makes data safe for transmission in URLs. Never use URL encoding alone to protect sensitive information.