Encode text and special characters for safe use in URLs or decode URL-encoded data back into readable text with this free online URL Encoder & Decoder. Quickly convert URL data directly in your browser for development, testing and web applications.
URL Encoder & Decoder
How to Use
1. Enter or Paste Your Text
Type or paste the text, URL component or encoded data you want to convert into the input box.
2. Choose Encode or Decode
Click Encode URL to convert special characters into a URL-safe format, or click Decode URL to convert encoded data back into readable text.
3. Review the Result
Your encoded or decoded result will appear in the output box.
4. Copy the Result
Click Copy Result to copy the converted data to your clipboard for use in a website, application, link or development project.
URL Encoder & Decoder
Enter text or URL-encoded data below to encode special characters for use in URLs or decode encoded data back into readable text directly in your browser.
What Do These Results Mean?
Encoded URL Data
Text and special characters converted into a URL-safe format so they can be used correctly inside URLs and query strings.
Decoded URL Data
Readable text produced when URL-encoded characters are converted back into their original form.
Encode URL
Converts spaces and special characters into percent-encoded values, such as a space becoming %20.
Decode URL
Converts percent-encoded URL data back into readable text.
Copy Result
Copies the encoded or decoded output to your clipboard for use elsewhere.
Clear
Removes both the input and output so you can start a new conversion.
Example
See how readable text containing spaces and special characters can be converted into URL-encoded data and decoded again.
Original Text:
ToolNestPro free tools
Encoded Result:
ToolNestPro%20free%20tools
Decoded Result:
ToolNestPro free tools
Explanation
When the text is encoded, characters that need special representation in a URL are converted into percent-encoded values.
For example:
Space → %20
When the encoded data is decoded, %20 is converted back into a normal space, returning the original readable text.
Encoding is particularly useful when text containing spaces or special characters needs to be safely included as part of a URL.
How URL Encoding & Decoding Works
URL encoding converts characters that may have a special meaning in a URL into a format that can be safely represented within a URL component.
URL Encoding
Encoding converts certain characters into percent-encoded values. For example, a space is commonly represented as %20.
URL Decoding
Decoding reverses percent encoding and converts encoded values back into readable characters.
Percent Encoding
Encoded characters are represented using a % sign followed by hexadecimal characters. For example, %20 represents a space.
Special Characters
Characters such as spaces, &, =, ? and others can have special meanings in URLs. Encoding helps represent them as data when appropriate.
Browser-Based Processing
The ToolNestPro URL Encoder & Decoder performs the conversion directly in your browser without requiring an external API.
Important: This tool encodes and decodes URL components. Encoding an entire URL can also encode structural characters such as :, /, ? and &, so users should encode only the portion of a URL that needs encoding when building a complete web address.
URL Terms Explained
Understand the key terms used when encoding and decoding URL data.
URL (Uniform Resource Locator)
The web address used to identify the location of a page, file or other resource on the internet.
URL Encoding
The process of converting certain characters into a format that can be safely represented within a URL component.
URL Decoding
The process of converting percent-encoded characters back into their readable form.
Percent Encoding
A method that represents certain characters using a % sign followed by hexadecimal characters, such as %20 for a space.
URL Component
A particular part of a URL, such as a path segment, query parameter name or query parameter value.
Query String
The part of a URL that can contain parameters and values, usually appearing after a ?.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about URL encoding, decoding and percent-encoded data.
Why do URLs need to be encoded?
URLs can contain characters that have special meanings or cannot be represented safely in certain URL components. URL encoding converts these characters into percent-encoded values so the data can be represented correctly.
What does %20 mean in a URL?
%20 is the percent-encoded representation of a space. When decoded, %20 becomes a normal space character.
Should I encode an entire URL?
Usually, you should encode only the component or value that needs encoding. Encoding an entire URL may also encode structural characters such as :, /, ?, = and &, which can change how the URL works.
Is URL encoding the same as encryption?
No. URL encoding is a way of representing characters in a URL-safe format. It does not encrypt, hide or secure the information.
Disclaimer
This URL Encoder & Decoder is provided for general development and informational purposes. URL encoding does not encrypt or secure data.
Always review encoded or decoded results before using them in websites, applications, APIs or production systems.