About this tool
URL encoding (percent-encoding) replaces characters that are unsafe in a web address — spaces, ampersands, Arabic letters and more — with codes like %20 so links travel correctly across the internet. This tool encodes and decodes URLs and query parameters with full UTF-8 support, right in your browser. It is essential for building links, debugging APIs and handling redirects.
How to use
- 1Choose Encode or Decode.
- 2Paste your URL or text.
- 3Copy the converted result.
Benefits
- Full UTF-8 support (Arabic, emoji).
- Two-way conversion.
- Private and instant.
Encode components, not an entire URL blindly
Practical example
A search value such as “red shoes & socks” must encode spaces and the ampersand when placed inside one query parameter. Encoding the whole URL would also escape separators that the URL structure needs.
Interpreting the result
Encode each path segment or query value at the boundary where it is inserted. Decode only expected input and inspect repeated encoding such as %2520, which often indicates a value encoded twice.
Limits and common mistakes
Percent encoding does not sanitize HTML, prevent injection or prove a destination is safe. Different URL parts and application frameworks require context-specific validation.
Detailed guides for this tool
Learn the underlying concepts, worked examples and common mistakes before relying on the result.
Frequently asked questions
When do I need URL encoding?+
Whenever a URL contains spaces or special characters, such as search queries or non-Latin text.
Is it the same as Base64?+
No. URL encoding keeps text readable with % codes; Base64 turns data into a different character set.