Free URL Encoder and Decoder
Percent-encode text so it is safe to use in a URL, or decode an encoded URL back to plain text. Runs entirely in your browser.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is URL encoding (percent encoding)?
URLs can only contain a limited set of characters. URL encoding replaces unsafe characters with a percent sign followed by their hexadecimal value — a space becomes %20, an ampersand becomes %26 — so any text can travel safely inside a web address.
What is the difference between the two modes?
"Component" mode encodes every reserved character, which is what you want for a single value like a search query or form field. "Full URL" mode leaves URL structure characters (:/?&=#) intact, which is right when encoding a complete address without breaking it.
Why does my decoded text show + instead of spaces?
Form submissions (the application/x-www-form-urlencoded format) historically encode spaces as +. Check "Treat + as space when decoding" and the tool converts them for you.
Is my text sent anywhere?
No. Encoding and decoding use your browser's built-in JavaScript functions. Nothing is transmitted or stored.