URL Encoder/Decoder
Encode and decode URL strings with special characters.
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Buy me a coffeeWhat is URL Encoder/Decoder?
URL encoding (also called percent encoding) converts special characters in URLs into a format that can be transmitted over the Internet. For example, spaces become %20, and special characters like & and ? are escaped. Our tool encodes plain text into URL-safe format and decodes URL-encoded strings back to readable text, essential for working with query parameters and API calls.
How to Use URL Encoder/Decoder
Common Use Cases
- Encoding query parameters for API requests
- Decoding URLs from browser address bars
- Building shareable URLs with special characters
- Debugging URL-encoded data in web applications
- Creating properly formatted mailto: and tel: links
Frequently Asked Questions
What characters get encoded?
Special characters like spaces, &, ?, #, %, and non-ASCII characters get encoded. For example: space → %20, & → %26, ? → %3F. Letters, numbers, and some safe characters like - and _ don't need encoding.
Is this the same as HTML encoding?
No. URL encoding is for URLs (spaces become %20), while HTML encoding is for HTML content (< becomes <). They serve different purposes.
Can I encode an entire URL?
Yes, but be careful. If you encode an entire URL including http://, the :// will also be encoded, breaking the URL. Usually, you only encode the query parameter values.