What is percent-encoding?

It replaces characters that have a special meaning in a URL with UTF-8 byte sequences such as %20 for a space.

When should I encode a URL component instead of a full URL?

Use component encoding for an individual query value, path segment, or redirect parameter. Full-URL encoding keeps structural characters such as : / ? and # readable.

Why does decoding fail?

A percent sign must be followed by two hexadecimal digits. Incomplete or malformed escape sequences cannot be decoded.

URL Encoder & Decoder

LocalFree

Convert text to URL-safe percent-encoded strings or decode them back. Useful for query params, redirect URIs, and form data.

EncodeDecode

Use encodeURIComponent (encodes ?, &, =)

Input

Output

Runs in your browser; files and input stay on this device

How to use URL Encoder & Decoder

1Choose Encode or Decode.
2Paste the URL or component, then choose whether to apply encodeURIComponent-style handling.
3Copy the percent-encoded or decoded result.

Frequently asked questions

What is percent-encoding?: It replaces characters that have a special meaning in a URL with UTF-8 byte sequences such as %20 for a space.
When should I encode a URL component instead of a full URL?: Use component encoding for an individual query value, path segment, or redirect parameter. Full-URL encoding keeps structural characters such as : / ? and # readable.
Why does decoding fail?: A percent sign must be followed by two hexadecimal digits. Incomplete or malformed escape sequences cannot be decoded.