What is URL encoding?

URL encoding (percent encoding) replaces characters that are unsafe or reserved in URLs with a percent sign followed by two hexadecimal digits. For example, a space becomes %20, and an ampersand becomes %26.

When do I need to URL encode?

URL encoding is required when including special characters (spaces, &, =, /, #, ?, etc.) inside query parameter values. Without encoding, these characters would be misinterpreted as URL structural characters.

What is the difference between encodeURI and encodeURIComponent?

encodeURI() encodes a full URL and leaves structural characters like /, ?, &, and # intact. encodeURIComponent() encodes everything including those characters — use it when encoding individual query parameter names or values.

Why does a space sometimes appear as + instead of %20?

The + sign represents a space in application/x-www-form-urlencoded format (HTML form data), while %20 is the standard percent-encoding for spaces in URLs. Both are widely supported, but %20 is correct for URL paths and query strings.

URL Encoder / Decoder

Percent-encode URLs or decode URL-encoded strings instantly.

Plain Text / URL

Encoded Output

Ad Placeholder

About URL Encoder / Decoder

Free online URL encoder and decoder. Percent-encode special characters in URLs to make them safe for transmission, or decode percent-encoded strings back to readable text. Handles both full URL encoding and component-level encoding (encodeURIComponent). Essential for web developers working with query strings, API requests, and redirect URLs.

How to Use URL Encoder / Decoder

Select Encode or Decode mode using the toggle.
Paste your URL or percent-encoded string into the input field.
The encoded or decoded result appears instantly.
Click Copy to copy the output to your clipboard.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is URL encoding?: URL encoding (percent encoding) replaces characters that are unsafe or reserved in URLs with a percent sign followed by two hexadecimal digits. For example, a space becomes %20, and an ampersand becomes %26.
When do I need to URL encode?: URL encoding is required when including special characters (spaces, &, =, /, #, ?, etc.) inside query parameter values. Without encoding, these characters would be misinterpreted as URL structural characters.
What is the difference between encodeURI and encodeURIComponent?: encodeURI() encodes a full URL and leaves structural characters like /, ?, &, and # intact. encodeURIComponent() encodes everything including those characters — use it when encoding individual query parameter names or values.
Why does a space sometimes appear as + instead of %20?: The + sign represents a space in application/x-www-form-urlencoded format (HTML form data), while %20 is the standard percent-encoding for spaces in URLs. Both are widely supported, but %20 is correct for URL paths and query strings.

Related Tools

🔠

Popular

Base64 Encoder / Decoder

Encode or decode Base64 text instantly in your browser.

⚡ Developer Tools

{ }

Popular

JSON Formatter & Validator

Format, validate, and minify JSON instantly — with syntax error highlighting.

⚡ Developer Tools

URL Encoder / Decoder

Percent-encode URLs or decode URL-encoded strings instantly.

Plain Text / URL

Encoded Output

Ad Placeholder

About URL Encoder / Decoder

How to Use URL Encoder / Decoder

Select Encode or Decode mode using the toggle.
Paste your URL or percent-encoded string into the input field.
The encoded or decoded result appears instantly.
Click Copy to copy the output to your clipboard.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is URL encoding?: URL encoding (percent encoding) replaces characters that are unsafe or reserved in URLs with a percent sign followed by two hexadecimal digits. For example, a space becomes %20, and an ampersand becomes %26.
When do I need to URL encode?: URL encoding is required when including special characters (spaces, &, =, /, #, ?, etc.) inside query parameter values. Without encoding, these characters would be misinterpreted as URL structural characters.
What is the difference between encodeURI and encodeURIComponent?: encodeURI() encodes a full URL and leaves structural characters like /, ?, &, and # intact. encodeURIComponent() encodes everything including those characters — use it when encoding individual query parameter names or values.
Why does a space sometimes appear as + instead of %20?: The + sign represents a space in application/x-www-form-urlencoded format (HTML form data), while %20 is the standard percent-encoding for spaces in URLs. Both are widely supported, but %20 is correct for URL paths and query strings.