Free URL Encoder / Decoder Tool

URL Encoder

URL Decoder

What is URL Encoding and Decoding?

URL Encoding (also known as Percent Encoding) is the process of converting special characters (like spaces, `&`, `?`) into a format that can be safely transmitted over the internet. URLs can only contain a specific set of "safe" characters. Any character not in this set must be encoded.

URL Decoding is the reverse process, converting the encoded characters back into their original, human-readable form. This tool allows you to perform both actions instantly.

How to Use This Tool

• To Encode: Type or paste your text into the "URL Encoder" box on the left and click "Encode." The safe, encoded version will appear below.
• To Decode: Paste your encoded string into the "URL Decoder" box on the right and click "Decode." The original, readable text will appear below.

While this tool handles special characters in your URL parameters, our SEO Slug Generator can help you create the clean, main path of your URL.

Why is URL Encoding Important?

• Validity: URLs have a strict set of allowed characters. Encoding ensures your URL is valid and won't cause errors. For example, a space is not allowed and must be encoded as %20.
• Clarity: Some characters have special meanings in a URL. The ampersand (&) is used to separate parameters. If you need to include a literal "&" in a value, you must encode it as %26 to avoid breaking the URL structure.
• API Requests: When sending data to an API via a URL, all query parameters must be properly encoded to ensure the server interprets them correctly.

FAQ

What are "reserved characters"?

These are characters that have a special meaning in a URL, such as the colon (:), forward slash (/), question mark (?), and ampersand (&). If you want to use these characters literally within a URL component, they must be percent-encoded.

For more free developer and SEO tools, visit Smarter Insights.