URL Encoder/Decoder - Encode & Decode URLs Online
Encode and decode URLs for safe transmission. Free online URL encoder and decoder tool.
How This Tool Works
This tool encodes special characters in URLs to make them safe for transmission over the internet, and decodes encoded URLs back to their original form. URL encoding converts characters into a format that can be transmitted over the internet by replacing unsafe ASCII characters with a '%' followed by two hexadecimal digits.
Why Use This Tool
- ✓Encode URLs for safe transmission
- ✓Decode encoded URLs to readable format
- ✓Handle special characters in URLs
- ✓Perfect for API development
- ✓Essential for query parameters
- ✓Copy results with one click
Frequently Asked Questions
What is URL encoding?
URL encoding converts characters into a format that can be transmitted over the internet. Special characters are replaced with a % followed by two hexadecimal digits representing the character's ASCII code.
Which characters need to be encoded?
Characters like spaces, &, =, ?, #, and non-ASCII characters need to be encoded. For example, a space becomes %20, and & becomes %26.
When should I use URL encoding?
Use URL encoding when passing data in query parameters, form submissions, or any time you need to include special characters in a URL. It ensures data is transmitted correctly.
What's the difference between encodeURI and encodeURIComponent?
This tool uses encodeURIComponent, which encodes all special characters except alphanumeric and -_.!~*'(). It's safer for encoding individual URL components like query parameters.
Can I encode entire URLs?
Yes, but be aware that this tool encodes everything including :, /, ?, and &. For encoding only the parameter values in a URL, encode each parameter separately.