URL Encode / Decode

Convert text to URL-safe format (encode) or decode it back. Includes bulk mode.
All Tools
Encode style
Spaces become %20. Best for query strings and general use.
Spaces become +. Common in HTML form submissions.
Useful when encoding a full path and you want / readable.
Decode behavior
Helps decode form-encoded strings properly.
If input contains invalid % codes, tool will show a friendly message.
Tip: If you have a full URL and only want to encode query values, paste just the value(s).
Bulk mode
One item per line. Encode/Decode will process each line and output a list.
Limit: 2000 lines

What is URL Encode / Decode?

URL encoding and decoding is the process of converting special characters, spaces, and symbols into a format that can be safely transmitted over the internet. This tool helps developers, marketers, and system administrators quickly encode or decode URLs, query strings, and form data without relying on external services.

Characters like spaces, ampersands (&), equals (=), and non-ASCII text can break URLs or lead to unexpected behavior if not properly encoded. Using this URL Encode / Decode tool ensures your data remains valid, readable, and compatible across browsers, APIs, and servers.

When should you use URL encoding?

  • When building query strings for URLs or API requests
  • When submitting form data using GET or POST methods
  • When handling user-generated input that contains special characters
  • When debugging broken URLs or malformed links
  • When working with redirects, tracking parameters, or UTM links

URL Encode vs URL Decode

URL Encode converts unsafe characters into a percent-encoded format (for example, a space becomes %20 or + depending on context).

URL Decode reverses the process, turning encoded characters back into their original readable form. This is useful when inspecting URLs, logs, or incoming request data.

Supported encoding formats

  • Percent encoding: Uses %20 for spaces (recommended for URLs and APIs)
  • Plus encoding: Uses + for spaces (common in HTML form submissions)
  • Safe decoding: Handles malformed or partial encoded strings gracefully

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What does URL encoding do?

URL encoding converts special characters into a safe format so they can be transmitted correctly in URLs. This prevents errors and data corruption.

2. Why are spaces converted to %20 or +?

Different standards handle spaces differently. %20 is standard for URLs, while + is commonly used in form-encoded data.

3. Is URL encoding required for all URLs?

Not always, but any URL containing spaces, symbols, or non-ASCII characters should be encoded to ensure compatibility.

4. Can I encode a full URL?

Yes, but typically only query parameters or path segments need encoding. Encoding the entire URL may reduce readability.

5. What is safe URL decoding?

Safe decoding prevents errors when the input contains invalid or incomplete percent-encoded sequences, ensuring the tool does not crash.

6. Does this tool store my data?

No. All encoding and decoding happens directly in your browser. Nothing is sent or saved.

7. Can I use this tool for API debugging?

Yes. It’s ideal for inspecting API requests, decoding query strings, and validating parameters.

8. What characters need URL encoding?

Spaces, ampersands, equals signs, question marks, slashes, and non-English characters typically require encoding.

9. Is this tool suitable for bulk URLs?

Yes. The bulk mode allows you to encode or decode multiple lines at once, making it useful for large datasets.

10. Is URL encoding reversible?

Yes. As long as the encoded string is valid, decoding will restore the original text.

Quick examples
Encode (percent)
Input
hello world & tea
Output
hello%20world%20%26%20tea
Encode (plus)
hello world & tea
Output
hello+world+%26+tea
Decode
q=hello%20world%26x%3D1
Output
q=hello world&x=1
Presets
Privacy: Everything runs in your browser. Nothing is stored or sent anywhere.
Mini FAQ
Why does space become + sometimes?
That’s common in HTML form encoding (application/x-www-form-urlencoded).
Why keep slashes?
When encoding paths, keeping / improves readability while still encoding unsafe characters.
Can I decode a full URL?
Yes, but decoding may turn reserved characters into readable form—use it mainly for query parts.