URL Encode/Decode
URLs may only contain a limited set of characters. Spaces, ampersands, question marks, slashes and non-ASCII text all have to be percent-encoded when they appear inside a query value, or they will be misread as structure rather than content.
This tool converts in both directions: encode a value before putting it in a link, or decode an encoded URL to see what it actually says.
Runs in your browser. URL Encode/Decode processes your input on your own device. Nothing you enter or upload is sent to a server.
How to use the URL Encode/Decode
- Paste the string or URL you want to convert.
- Choose encode or decode.
- Copy the result.
Frequently asked questions
Why does a space become %20?
Spaces are not allowed in a URL. Percent-encoding replaces each disallowed character with a percent sign and its hexadecimal byte value, and a space is byte 0x20. In query strings you will also see it written as a plus sign.
When do I need to encode?
Whenever you put arbitrary text into a URL — a search term in a query parameter, a redirect target passed as a value, or a filename in a path. Without encoding, an ampersand or a question mark in that text will be parsed as URL structure.
Is my input sent anywhere?
No. Encoding and decoding use built-in browser functions and stay local.