Encode text so it is safe to use in a web address, or decode a link full of percent signs back to readable text. Choose whether to encode a single value or a whole URL, and see the result as you type. Everything happens in your browser.
All Free ToolsBase64 Encode and DecodeUTM Link BuilderURL Shortener
Everything is converted in your browser. Your text is not uploaded to our servers.
What Is URL Encoding?
A web address can only contain a limited set of characters. Spaces, accents, Arabic letters, emoji and symbols such as & and ? must be replaced with a percent sign followed by two letters or numbers. For example, a space becomes %20 and the letter é becomes %C3%A9. This is called URL encoding or percent encoding. Decoding turns these codes back into normal text.
How to Encode and Decode a URL
- Choose Encode or Decode.
- Paste your text or link in the first box. The result appears in the second box as you type.
- Press Copy result, or Swap input and result to flip the direction and check that the text comes back the same.
Everything or Full URL?
Everything (a value or parameter)
This mode encodes all special characters, including / ? & = and #. Use it for a single value that goes inside a link, such as a search term, a name or a redirect address in a parameter.
Full URL
This mode keeps the characters that give a URL its structure, such as : / ? & = and #, and only encodes the rest, such as spaces and accents. Use it when you paste a whole link that contains spaces or non-English letters.
What Does Use + for Spaces Mean?
In the text of a web form, a space is often written as + instead of %20. Tick this option to encode spaces as +, or to read + as a space when you decode. Leave it off for normal links, where + stands for a real plus sign.
Limits to Know About
- Do not encode a link twice. The percent signs from the first round would be encoded again and the link would stop working.
- A text with a % sign that is not followed by a valid code cannot be decoded and shows an error.
- The tool works on text only. It does not check whether a link opens.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between encodeURI and encodeURIComponent?
encodeURI is for a whole link and keeps characters such as / and ?. encodeURIComponent is for a single value and encodes them too. The two modes in this tool work the same way.
Why does my link show %20?
%20 is the code for a space. Browsers show it in a link because a real space is not allowed in a web address.
How do I decode %E2%80%99 or other codes?
Choose Decode and paste the text. Codes like these are turned back into the original characters.
Is this tool free?
Yes. It is free to use, with no sign-up. Your text stays in your browser.
Does it work with Arabic?
Yes. Arabic letters and other languages are encoded as UTF-8 and decoded back correctly.
More Free Tools
Try the Base64 encoder and decoder, the UTM link builder, the URL shortener or the JSON formatter, or browse all free online tools.