How to use the url encode / decode
- Paste text or a URL.
- Use Encode or Decode for a single value (query parameters), or the full URL buttons to keep characters like : / ? & intact.
- Copy the result.
About this tool
URLs can only carry a limited set of characters, so spaces, symbols and non-English text are percent-encoded, for example a space becomes %20. Use Encode for a single query value and the full URL buttons when you want to keep characters like : / ? and & intact.
Why URLs need encoding
A URL can safely contain only letters, digits and a few symbols. Everything else, such as spaces, non-English letters and characters that have a special meaning, is replaced by a percent sign and two hex digits. That is percent-encoding, and a browser or server reverses it when reading the URL.
Common characters
| Character | Encoded | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Space | %20 | Not allowed in a URL |
| & | %26 | Separates query parameters |
| = | %3D | Separates a key from its value |
| ? | %3F | Starts the query string |
| # | %23 | Starts the fragment |
| / | %2F | Separates path segments |
| + | %2B | Can be read as a space in forms |
| % | %25 | The escape character itself |
Letters outside English are encoded as UTF-8 bytes. For example é becomes %C3%A9.
Encode or Encode full URL?
Encode is for a single value, such as the text of a search parameter, and it converts every reserved character including / ? & and =. Encode full URL leaves those structural characters alone and only fixes characters like spaces and non-English letters, so use it when you are cleaning up a whole address.
Mistakes to avoid
- Encoding twice. A space becomes %20, and encoding again turns the % into %25, giving %2520. If you see %25 in a URL, it was probably double-encoded.
- Plus versus %20. HTML forms encode a space as +, while a normal URL path uses %20. A + in a query string is often read as a space.
- Encoding an entire URL with Encode, which breaks the https:// part. Use the full URL option for that.
- Forgetting to encode a redirect address inside another URL, such as the redirect_uri in OAuth links.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Encode and Encode full URL?
Encode converts every reserved character, which is right for a single query value. Encode full URL leaves : / ? # & = alone so the URL structure survives.
Why do I get an error when decoding?
A lone % sign that is not followed by two hex digits is invalid. Escape it as %25 first.
Is my text uploaded?
No. Everything runs in your browser. Nothing is uploaded.
How do I decode %20 and %2F?
Paste the text and click Decode. %20 becomes a space and %2F becomes a slash.
Why does decoding say my input is invalid?
A % sign must be followed by two hex digits. A stray % in the text, for example in "50% off", needs to be written as %25.