Free URL Encoder/Decoder
Encode special characters in URLs to safe percent-encoded format (spaces become %20, ampersands become %26) or decode percent-encoded URLs back to their original readable form. This is essential for web developers constructing query strings with special characters, API users encoding parameters for HTTP requests, SEO professionals analyzing URL structures, and anyone working with links that need to include spaces, symbols, or non-ASCII characters. The tool handles the full RFC 3986 percent-encoding standard, ensuring every character is properly converted for safe transmission over the web. Simply paste a URL fragment, encode or decode it with one click, and copy the result.
How to Use
- Paste or type the text to encode or decode
- Click Encode to convert special characters to percent-encoded format
- Click Decode to restore encoded text to its original form
- Copy the result with one click
Common Encodings
- Space ->
%20 &->%26=->%3D#->%23
Privacy
All encoding happens locally in your browser. No data is transmitted.
When URL Encoding Is Needed
- Query parameters: Encode spaces, ampersands, equals signs, and other reserved characters before placing text in a query string.
- API requests: Encode user-provided values before appending them to URLs.
- Debugging: Decode copied URLs to inspect readable parameter values.
- SEO checks: Confirm that URL paths and parameters do not contain unsafe characters.
Important Limitation
URL encoding is not encryption and does not make sensitive values safe to share. Encoded API keys, tokens, email addresses, or personal data can be decoded easily. Avoid placing secrets in URLs because URLs may be stored in logs, browser history, analytics, and referrer headers.
Quick Answer
Use Encode when text needs to become URL-safe. Use Decode when you need to read percent-encoded values such as %20 for spaces or %26 for ampersands.
Last reviewed: July 2026.