What is URL encoding?

URL encoding (percent-encoding) converts special characters in URLs to percent-encoded format. For example, space becomes %20, & becomes %26. This ensures URLs are safe for transmission and don't break URL structure. URL encoding is standard for web URLs and query parameters.

When should I encode URLs?

Encode URLs when they contain special characters, spaces, or Unicode characters. Query parameters often need encoding. For example, 'search query' should be encoded as 'search%20query' in URLs. Most modern browsers encode automatically, but manual encoding is needed for API requests or programmatic URL construction.

What characters need to be encoded?

Characters that need encoding include: spaces (become %20), special characters like & (%26), # (%23), ? (%3F), = (%3D), and Unicode characters. Alphanumeric characters (A-Z, a-z, 0-9) and some punctuation (-, _, ., ~) are safe and don't need encoding.

Can I encode entire URLs?

Yes, but typically only query parameters need encoding, not the entire URL structure. Encoding the full URL may break it. Usually, encode only the query string or specific URL components. The base URL structure (protocol, domain, path) typically doesn't need encoding.

What's the difference between URL encoding and HTML entity encoding?

URL encoding uses percent-encoding (%XX) for URLs and query parameters. HTML entity encoding uses named entities (&) or numeric entities (&) for HTML content. Use URL encoding for URLs, HTML entity encoding for HTML content. They serve different purposes.

URL Encoder/Decoder - Free Online Tool

When to Use This Tool

Use this when:

You need to encode special characters in URLs for web requests or API calls
You want to decode URL-encoded strings to see the original text
You're working with query parameters that contain special characters or spaces
You're developing web applications and need to handle URL encoding
You want to encode URLs for safe transmission in HTTP requests
You're debugging URL issues and need to see decoded URL components
You need to prepare URLs with special characters for use in links or APIs

Don't use this if:

You need to encode entire HTML documents or complex web pages (use HTML entity encoders)
You require encoding for binary data or files (use Base64 encoders)
You need to encode data for cryptographic purposes (use specialized encryption tools)
You want to encode URLs with specific encoding schemes other than percent-encoding
You require URL parsing or manipulation beyond encoding/decoding

What is a URL Encoder/Decoder?

A URL encoder/decoder converts special characters in URLs to their percent-encoded equivalents (e.g., space becomes %20) and decodes encoded URLs back to readable form. Our tool processes everything locally in your browser — your URLs and data are never transmitted.

URL encoding is essential because URLs can only contain a limited set of ASCII characters. Special characters, spaces, international characters, and reserved characters (like &, =, ?, #) must be encoded to work correctly in URLs, query parameters, and API requests. Incorrectly encoded URLs cause broken links and API failures.

This tool is essential for web developers constructing URLs with query parameters, API engineers debugging encoded request parameters, SEO specialists analyzing and fixing URL structures, QA testers verifying that URL parameters are properly encoded, and digital marketers working with tracking URLs that contain multiple parameters.

Compared to using JavaScript's encodeURIComponent() in a console (requires coding knowledge) or online encoders that may track your URLs, PureXio's encoder/decoder provides an intuitive interface with instant bidirectional conversion, handling of full URLs vs. individual components, and support for international characters.

The tool distinguishes between encodeURI (for full URLs, preserves structural characters) and encodeURIComponent (for individual parameters, encodes everything except letters, digits, and a few special characters), letting you choose the right encoding level for your needs.

Best for: encoding/decoding URLs and query parameters. Handles Unicode and special characters. encodeURI vs encodeURIComponent modes. Fully private.

How to Encode/Decode URLs

Select mode: 'Encode' to convert text to URL-encoded format, or 'Decode' to convert URL-encoded text back to original. Paste or enter your text or URL in the input field

Click 'Encode URL' or 'Decode URL' to convert. Encoding converts special characters to percent-encoded format (e.g., space becomes %20). Decoding converts percent-encoded text back to original

Review the encoded or decoded result. Copy the result to clipboard. Use encoded URLs in web requests, links, or APIs. Use decoded text to see original content

Common Use Cases

Encode query parameters: Convert 'search query' to 'search%20query' for URL parameters

Handle special characters: Encode URLs with special characters like &, #, or spaces

API requests: Encode data for API requests or HTTP GET/POST parameters

Decode URLs: Decode URL-encoded strings to see original text or debug URL issues

Web development: Encode URLs for use in links, redirects, or web applications

Form data: Encode form data for URL transmission or query strings

Unicode handling: Encode Unicode characters in URLs for international content

Features

Encode text to URL-encoded format (percent-encoding) for safe URL transmission

Decode URL-encoded strings back to original text

Handle special characters, spaces, and Unicode characters in URLs

Bidirectional conversion—encode and decode in either direction

Real-time conversion—results update as you change inputs

Support for full URLs, query parameters, and URL components

100% private—all processing happens in your browser

Limitations & Constraints

Uses standard URL percent-encoding—doesn't support other encoding schemes

Very long URLs may have browser limitations—some browsers have URL length limits

Encoding preserves URL structure—doesn't validate or fix malformed URLs

Unicode characters are encoded as UTF-8—may produce long encoded sequences

Doesn't parse or manipulate URL structure—only encodes/decodes content

Troubleshooting

URL encoding fails or shows error

Solution: Check that input text is valid. URL encoding should work with any text. If encoding fails, try copying text again or check for invalid characters. Ensure you selected correct mode (encode vs decode). Some very long texts may cause issues—try shorter text. Prevention: Use valid text input and correct mode selection.

Encoded URL doesn't work in browser or API

Solution: Verify encoding is correct—special characters should be percent-encoded (e.g., space = %20). Check that you encoded the right parts of the URL. Some URLs may need partial encoding (only query parameters, not entire URL). Test encoded URL in target system. Prevention: Understand which parts of URL need encoding.

Decoded text looks wrong or corrupted

Solution: URL decoding requires valid percent-encoded format. If text looks wrong, it may not be properly URL-encoded. Check that encoded text uses percent-encoding (%XX format). Invalid encoding causes decoding errors. Ensure you're decoding URL-encoded text, not other encoded formats. Prevention: Verify text is URL-encoded before decoding.

Special characters not encoded correctly

Solution: URL encoding converts special characters to percent-encoded format. Common encodings: space = %20, & = %26, # = %23. If characters aren't encoded, they may already be safe for URLs (alphanumeric and some punctuation). Verify encoding matches your needs. Prevention: Understand which characters need encoding in URLs.

Need to encode only part of URL

Solution: This tool encodes the entire input. For partial encoding (e.g., only query parameters), encode the specific parts separately, then combine. Or use programming tools for selective encoding. The tool is designed for full text encoding/decoding. Prevention: Encode specific parts separately if needed.