URL Encoder / Decoder
Type or paste text below to automatically percent-encode it (%XX format). Switch to "Decode" to convert an encoded string back to text. Handy when you need to include non-ASCII characters or symbols in a query parameter. Need to convert to Base64 instead? Try the Base64 Encoder/Decoder.
🔒 Runs in your browser · Your data is never sent to a server
Notes
- Text is percent-encoded (%XX). A space becomes "%20", not the "+" used in form submissions.
- Encode only the parts you need, such as query parameter values, not the entire URL. Encoding everything also converts ":" and "/" and breaks the URL.
- Characters are encoded as UTF-8. Systems that expect another encoding, such as Shift_JIS, may need a different result.
Glossary
Percent-encoding
A way to represent characters that cannot appear directly in a URL (such as non-ASCII characters or certain symbols) as "%" followed by two hex digits. Also known as "URL encoding."
Query parameter
A key=value pair appended after the "?" in a URL. Non-ASCII characters or symbols in a query parameter need percent-encoding.
FAQ
Why is URL encoding necessary?
URLs allow only certain characters, so non-ASCII text, spaces and some symbols must be percent-encoded (%XX) to be included safely in query parameters.
Is a space encoded as "+" or "%20"?
This tool uses percent-encoding, so a space becomes "%20". Form submissions may use "+", so check what the destination expects.
Can I encode a whole URL?
Encoding an entire URL also converts characters like ":" and "/" and can break it. Normally encode only the parts you need, such as query parameter values.
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