About the URL Encode / Decode
This tool URL-encodes and decodes text using percent-encoding. URLs may only contain a limited set of characters, so spaces, ampersands, slashes and non-ASCII characters must be escaped as percent sequences (for example a space becomes %20). Switch between encode and decode, and choose component mode — which escapes reserved characters like & / ? # — or full-URL mode, which leaves the URL structure intact.
Component mode (encodeURIComponent) is what you want for a single query-string value or path segment; full-URL mode (encodeURI) is for escaping a whole URL while keeping its delimiters working. Everything runs locally in your browser, UTF-8 safe.
How to use it
- Choose encode or decode.
- Pick component mode for a single value, or full-URL mode for a whole URL.
- Paste your text and run.
- Copy the result with one click.
Examples
- Encode 'hello world & co' into 'hello%20world%20%26%20co'.
- Decode a query-string value back into readable text.
- Escape a search term before putting it in a URL.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between component and full-URL mode?
Component mode (encodeURIComponent) escapes reserved characters such as & / ? # : — use it for a single query value or path segment. Full-URL mode (encodeURI) preserves those delimiters so a complete URL keeps working.
Why does a space become %20?
Spaces are not allowed in URLs, so they are percent-encoded. %20 is the encoded form of a space; in query strings a + is sometimes used instead.
Is it UTF-8 safe?
Yes. Non-ASCII characters are encoded as their UTF-8 byte sequences, so emoji and accented characters round-trip correctly.
Does my text get uploaded?
No. Encoding and decoding happen entirely in your browser.