Free URL Encoder & Decoder
Encode or decode URL components and full URLs. Fast, privacy-friendly tool that runs entirely in your browser.
The URL Encoder & Decoder encodes and decodes URL components and full URLs. It runs entirely in your browser, so the strings you work with never leave your device.
Free online URL encoder and decoder tool
This URL Encoder and Decoder helps you convert text into URL-safe format and back. URL encoding is necessary because URLs can only contain a limited set of characters. This tool makes it easy to properly encode special characters, spaces, and symbols for use in web addresses, query strings, and form data. Developers use it when constructing API endpoints with query parameters, building web forms that need URL-safe submission, or debugging HTTP requests. The tool uses JavaScript's built-in encodeURIComponent and encodeURI functions under the hood, which convert non-ASCII and special characters into a percent-encoded format like %20 for spaces or %3F for question marks.
The tool provides three distinct modes that map directly to JavaScript's standard library functions. "Encode component" uses encodeURIComponent, which encodes everything except alphanumeric characters and the symbols -_.!~*'(). "Encode full URL" uses encodeURI, which preserves URL structure characters like /, ?, #, :, @, =, and & so the overall URL syntax remains intact. "Decode" uses decodeURIComponent to reverse the encoding process, restoring original text from its percent-encoded representation. Understanding the difference ensures you use the right mode for your specific use case — always encode individual parameters with encodeURIComponent, never encode an entire URL with it.
All processing happens instantly in your browser using native JavaScript functions with no server requests, so your data remains private. You can encode sensitive information like API keys, personal data, or confidential text without worrying about exposure. The tool works with any text, including non-English characters (like UTF-8 text), emojis (which become multiple percent-encoded sequences), and special symbols that need proper encoding for URL transmission. Since everything runs client-side, your input never leaves your device and the tool is completely free with no account requirements or usage limits. It is a handy utility for building query strings and form data.
How to use this URL Encoder/Decoder tool
- Select the appropriate mode: "encode component" for query parameters, "encode full URL" for complete URLs, or "decode" to reverse the process.
- Paste or type your text or URL into the input box above.
- The encoded or decoded result appears instantly below.
- Click the result to copy it to your clipboard.
FAQ
What is URL encoding?
URL encoding converts special characters into a format that can be safely transmitted in URLs. It replaces characters with % followed by their hexadecimal code.
What's the difference between encodeURI and encodeURIComponent?
encodeURI is for entire URLs and preserves URL structure characters like / and?. encodeURIComponent is for URL components and encodes everything except alphanumeric characters and a few safe symbols.
Is my URL data stored anywhere?
No. All URL encoding and decoding happens entirely in your browser using JavaScript's built-in functions. Nothing is uploaded or saved.
Can I use this for query string parameters?
Yes. Use the "encode component" mode for individual parameters like "name=John Doe" or "search=query with spaces" to ensure they're properly encoded.