encodeURI() encodes a complete URL — it leaves reserved characters like /:?#[]@!$&'()*+,;= unencoded because they have meaning in a URL structure.
encodeURIComponent() encodes a URL component (a single query value or path segment) — it encodes everything except letters, digits, -_.!~*'(). Use this for query parameter values.
Percent-encoding replaces unsafe characters with a % followed by two hex digits (UTF-8 byte value). For example, a space becomes %20 or + in query strings.
What is URL Encoding?
URL encoding, also known as percent encoding, is the process of converting special characters into a format that can be safely transmitted over the internet. Characters such as spaces, ampersands (&), question marks (?), slashes (/), and hash symbols (#) are replaced with percent (%) followed by their hexadecimal values.
For example, a space becomes %20, while an ampersand becomes %26. URL encoding ensures that browsers, web servers, and APIs correctly interpret URLs without breaking query parameters or paths.
URL Encoding vs URL Decoding
| URL Encoding | URL Decoding |
|---|---|
| Converts readable text into percent-encoded values. | Converts percent-encoded values back into readable text. |
| Used before sending data. | Used after receiving encoded data. |
| Example: Space → %20 | Example: %20 → Space |
Free URL Encoder & Decoder Tool
Easily encode and decode URLs, URI components, query strings, and Base64 text with our free online URL Encoder & Decoder. Whether you're a web developer, API tester, SEO specialist, backend engineer, or student, this tool helps you safely convert URLs into their encoded format and decode them back into readable text instantly.
Everything runs directly inside your browser, ensuring your data remains private. No uploads, no registration, and no server processing are required. Simply paste your URL or text, click the desired action, and copy the result with a single click.
Encode and Decode URLs Instantly
URL encoding converts special characters into percent-encoded values so they can be transmitted safely over the internet. Likewise, URL decoding restores encoded strings back to their original readable form.
This tool supports both complete URL encoding and URI component encoding, making it suitable for REST APIs, query parameters, redirects, web applications, and browser development.
Common URL Encoded Characters
| Character | Encoded Value |
|---|---|
| Space | %20 |
| ! | %21 |
| " | %22 |
| # | %23 |
| $ | %24 |
| & | %26 |
| ' | %27 |
| ( | %28 |
| ) | %29 |
| + | %2B |
| , | %2C |
| / | %2F |
| : | %3A |
| ; | %3B |
| = | %3D |
| ? | %3F |
| @ | %40 |
URL Encoding Example
Original URL
https://example.com/search?q=hello world&lang=en
Encoded URL
https://example.com/search?q=hello%20world%26lang%3Den
This example shows how spaces and reserved characters are converted into percent-encoded values to ensure the URL is transmitted correctly.
URL Encoding in Popular Programming Languages
JavaScript
encodeURIComponent("hello world");
PHP
urlencode("hello world");
Python
urllib.parse.quote("hello world")
Main Features
- Encode complete URLs
- Encode URI Components
- Decode URL encoded strings
- Decode all percent-encoded characters
- Automatic URL parsing
- One-click copy results
- Sample URL examples
- Fast browser-based processing
- No data uploaded to servers
- Mobile-friendly interface
URL Query String Parser
Working with long URLs can be difficult. The built-in Query String Parser automatically extracts URL parameters and displays them in an easy-to-edit format. Modify parameter names or values, add new parameters, remove existing ones, and instantly generate a new query string.
This feature is especially useful when testing APIs, debugging websites, creating tracking URLs, or generating dynamic links.
Query Builder
Build query strings without manually typing ampersands, equals signs, or encoded values. Enter your parameter names and values, and the tool generates a correctly formatted query string that is ready for use.
Example:
Parameter: search Value: hello world Generated Query: ?search=hello%20world
Base64 Encoder & Decoder
Besides URL encoding, this tool also includes a Base64 converter. Encode plain text into Base64 or decode Base64 strings back into readable text instantly.
Base64 encoding is commonly used for APIs, authentication tokens, JSON payloads, email content, binary data transmission, and configuration files.
URL Encoding Reference
The built-in reference section lists commonly used percent-encoded characters such as spaces, punctuation marks, symbols, and reserved URL characters. It also explains the difference between JavaScript's encodeURI() and encodeURIComponent() functions, helping developers choose the correct method for their use case.
Supported Operations
- Encode URI
- Encode URI Component
- Decode URI
- Decode Percent Encoding
- Parse Query Strings
- Generate Query Parameters
- Base64 Encode
- Base64 Decode
- Copy Results
- Swap Input and Output
Who Can Use This Tool?
- Frontend Developers
- Backend Developers
- Full Stack Developers
- API Developers
- Software Engineers
- SEO Professionals
- Digital Marketers
- QA Testers
- Students Learning Web Development
- System Administrators
Common Use Cases
- Creating API request URLs
- Encoding query parameters
- Decoding redirect URLs
- Generating tracking links
- Working with OAuth authentication
- Testing REST APIs
- Debugging web applications
- Building dynamic URLs
- Encoding special characters
- Converting Base64 data
Why Use This URL Encoder & Decoder?
Incorrectly encoded URLs can break API requests, cause invalid redirects, or produce unexpected server responses. This tool removes the complexity by automatically handling percent encoding, reserved characters, and query parameter formatting.
Instead of relying on manual conversions or writing JavaScript code, you can encode, decode, parse, and generate URLs in just a few clicks. Everything is processed locally in your browser, making it both fast and secure.
Key Benefits
- 100% Free
- No Registration Required
- Secure Client-Side Processing
- Instant Results
- Supports Long URLs
- Copy with One Click
- Responsive Design
- Works on Desktop and Mobile
- Simple and Easy to Use
- Developer Friendly
Related Developer Tools
Frequently Asked Questions
%20 and an ampersand (&) becomes %26. This ensures URLs are transmitted correctly over the internet.
%20. Some web forms may use the plus sign (+) for spaces in query strings, but %20 is the standard percent-encoded representation.