Tool UI
Encoding Tool
URL Encode Decode Tool
Escape query string values or decode percent-encoded text for web debugging, API requests, and form handling.
Use this online URL encoder and decoder when spaces, reserved characters, Unicode text, or full query-parameter values need to be represented safely inside a URL.
About the URL encoder and decoder
This page helps you encode text for use in URLs and decode percent-encoded values back into readable form. It is aimed at developers working with query parameters, redirects, callbacks, form submissions, and request debugging.
It is especially useful when logs or copied URLs contain encoded characters that are hard to interpret at a glance.
How to encode or decode a URL
- Paste a plain query string value or an encoded URL fragment into the input box.
- Select Encode to percent-encode special characters.
- Select Decode to turn encoded sequences back into readable text.
- Copy the result into your redirect URL, request parameter, callback value, or test case.
URL encoding is useful when dealing with spaces, ampersands, slashes, question marks, equal signs, and other reserved characters that have special meaning in a URL.
What is URL encoding?
URL encoding replaces reserved or unsafe characters with percent-encoded sequences so data can be transmitted safely in a URL. For example, spaces, symbols, and non-ASCII text often need encoding when included in a query parameter.
This process is central to web requests, redirect links, callback URLs, and many browser-based workflows.
Why use URL encoding?
Without proper encoding, special characters can break a query string or change the meaning of a URL. Encoding ensures the text is preserved as data instead of being interpreted as part of the URL structure.
Developers use URL encoding constantly when building links, sending form values, or debugging request parameters.
URL encoding FAQ
What is URL encoding?
URL encoding, also called percent encoding, replaces characters with escape sequences so they can travel safely inside a URL or query string.
When do I need to encode a URL value?
Encode values when they include spaces, punctuation, symbols, or non-ASCII text and will be inserted into query parameters, redirect URLs, or form submissions.
What is double encoding?
Double encoding happens when already-encoded content is encoded again, which can turn valid sequences into broken output. If decoding once still leaves percent sequences behind, you may be looking at double-encoded text.
Should I encode a whole URL or just part of it?
Usually you encode individual components such as query parameter values rather than the entire URL. Encoding the wrong scope can break separators like ? and &.
URL encoding tips
- Encode parameter values, not necessarily the full URL.
- Watch for spaces, ampersands, slashes, and Unicode characters.
- If output still looks encoded after decoding once, check for double encoding.
- Validate redirect and callback parameters carefully in auth flows.