URL Encoder / Decoder
Encode text for safe use in URLs, decode percent-encoded strings, and inspect query params.
Processed locally in your browser — never uploaded.
Plain text / URL
Encoded / decoded
| Key | Value |
|---|---|
| q | hello world |
| sort | price |
Ctrl+Enter to encode · multi-line encodes each line · Upload or drop .txt on the input panel
What is URL encoding?
URL encoding (percent-encoding) converts characters like spaces, &, and ? into a safe format so URLs and query strings transmit correctly across browsers and servers.
Choose encodeURIComponent for query values or encodeURI for whole URLs, then use the query breakdown table to debug parameters.
RFC 3986 splits characters into reserved (: / ? # [ ] @ ! $ & ' ( ) * + , ; =) and unreserved (letters, digits, - _ . ~) sets — unreserved characters are never encoded, while reserved ones are encoded only when they'd otherwise be read as part of the URL's structure. This is also where the classic + vs %20 confusion comes from: %20 is the correct percent-encoding for a space in a URL path or query value, while + for space is a legacy convention from application/x-www-form-urlencoded form submissions, not RFC 3986 itself — mixing the two up is a frequent source of literal + characters showing up in decoded query parameters.
Also try the JSON formatter, JSON validator, JSON minifier, or JSON viewer.
URL Encoder FAQ
- What is URL encoding?
- URL encoding (percent-encoding) converts characters like spaces, &, and ? into a safe format so URLs and query strings transmit correctly across browsers and servers.
- When do I need URL encoding?
- Whenever a query parameter contains spaces, special characters, or another URL. Use component mode for single values and URI mode when encoding a full URL path.
- What is the difference between encodeURI and encodeURIComponent?
- encodeURIComponent encodes reserved characters like /, ?, and & — best for query values. encodeURI leaves URL structure characters intact — better for whole URLs.
- Can I inspect query parameters?
- Yes. The query breakdown table lists decoded key/value pairs from a URL’s query string so you can debug parameters quickly.