🔗 URL Encoder & Decoder
Encode and decode URL strings. Percent-encoding for special characters.
📋 When to Use the URL Encoder & Decoder
The URL Encoder & Decoder is ideal when you need to convert between formats or units quickly — whether you're reformatting data for a different tool, preparing content for a client, or just trying to make sense of incompatible file types. Use it when working remotely without access to desktop software, when sharing screens in a meeting and need a fast conversion, or when you want to avoid uploading sensitive files to unknown servers. Everything processes in your browser for maximum privacy.
⚙️ How the URL Encoder & Decoder Works
The URL Encoder & Decoder processes your input using conversion algorithms that run entirely in your browser. When you paste or upload content and select the output format, JavaScript parses the input, transforms it using format-specific logic (encoding, decoding, parsing, serializing), and produces the converted output. For file conversions, all processing uses browser-native APIs and JavaScript libraries loaded from CDN — your files are never uploaded to any server. The entire pipeline from input to output stays on your device.
How to Use the URL Encoder & Decoder
- Enter your text — Paste or type the URL or text string you want to encode/decode.
- Click Encode — Converts special characters to percent-encoding (e.g., space becomes %20). Safe for use in query strings.
- Click Decode — Reverses percent-encoding back to readable text (e.g., %20 becomes space).
- Copy the result — The output appears below. Select and copy it for use in your URLs or code.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is URL encoding?
URL encoding (percent-encoding) replaces unsafe characters with a % followed by two hex digits. For example, spaces become %20, and & becomes %26. This ensures URLs are valid and safely transmittable.
When should I encode vs decode?
Encode when you need to include special characters in a URL (spaces, symbols, non-ASCII text). Decode when you have a percent-encoded URL and need to read the original text.
Does this handle Unicode?
Yes! encodeURIComponent handles UTF-8 characters by encoding each byte. Non-ASCII characters like "café" become sequences like %C3%A9.
Difference between encodeURI and encodeURIComponent?
This tool uses encodeURIComponent, which encodes all special characters including / ? & =. This is safer for query parameter values. encodeURI is less aggressive and preserves URL structure characters.