URL Encoder / Decoder

Encode strings for safe query parameters or decode existing URLs without leaving your browser.

Updated Dec 06, 2025

URL

Loading editor…

Encoded

https%3A%2F%2Fexample.com%2Fsearch%3Fq%3Dhello%20world%26lang%3Den

Web hygiene

Encode and decode URLs without mistakes

Percent-encoding keeps query strings and redirects predictable. Paste any URL or arbitrary text and the encoder will replace reserved characters with their hexadecimal equivalents, ensuring browsers and servers interpret the data exactly as intended.

Know the reserved characters

Characters like spaces, ampersands, plus signs, and even emoji can break URLs when left unescaped. The encoder highlights which symbols change in real time so you learn how browsers interpret each one.

Need the inverse? Switch to decode mode to read redirect parameters or Base64 strings embedded inside larger URLs. The tool handles multi-layer scenarios—such as an encoded URL nested inside another query parameter—without mangling your data.

UTF-8 aware
International characters are converted to their proper byte sequences before encoding, so multilingual content stays readable.
Safe for automation
Outputs can be copied as-is or wrapped in template literals for server-side frameworks and CI scripts.

Common encoding chores

Embed callback URLs inside OAuth requests, prepare redirect parameters for marketing campaigns, or send JSON through query strings while keeping punctuation intact. The encoder offers quick shortcuts for swapping spaces between `%20` and `+` depending on whether you are building query components or `application/x-www-form-urlencoded` payloads.

Because everything happens locally, you can inspect production URLs containing API keys or session identifiers without leaking them.

Batch mode
Process multiple lines at once to prepare spreadsheets of tracking links or webhook tests.
Human-friendly diffing
Compare raw and encoded output side-by-side to teach new teammates how encoding rules actually work.

Situations where encoding saves you

Deep-link builders

Wrap entire onboarding flows inside a single link without risking parameter collisions.

Webhooks & callbacks

Make sure signature parameters remain intact when providers append their own query strings.

Support teams

Decode long URLs pasted into tickets to understand what customers actually clicked.

Analytics tagging

Prevent UTM tags from breaking when marketing inserts special characters or non-Latin alphabets.

Next step

Turn encoded text into QR codes

After encoding, jump into the QR Code Generator to share links at events or on packaging without exposing raw query strings.

Open QR Code Generator

Popular combinations

Audit with Diff Checker
Compare URL Encoder / Decoder output with previous revisions to avoid regressions.
Share via QR Code Generator
Turn sanitized payloads into QR codes for offline reviews.

Frequently asked questions

Why do I need to encode URLs?

URLs can only contain a limited set of characters (ASCII). Any special characters (like spaces, emojis, or non-Latin letters) must be encoded into a safe format (e.g., '%20' for space) to be transmitted correctly over the internet.

What is the difference between encodeURI and encodeURIComponent?

`encodeURI` is used for full URLs and preserves special characters like ':', '/', and '?'. `encodeURIComponent` is used for individual query parameters and encodes everything, including those special characters.

Can I decode a URL here?

Yes. This tool works both ways. You can paste an encoded string to decode it back to its original readable format.

Is it safe?

Yes. All encoding and decoding are performed instantly in your browser. No data is sent to our servers.

How to use URL Encoder / Decoder

Follow these four quick steps to securely encode or decode payloads right inside your browser—no downloads, no accounts, and no data leaving the FreeTools.run sandbox.

Step 1: Load your source data
Paste text, drag a file, or start with our curated sample to understand how the encoder workflow behaves with real inputs.
Step 2: Adjust tool options
Toggle presets, update formatting rules, or choose export preferences. All controls update in real time so you can preview the effect before committing.
Step 3: Review the live preview
Use the split-pane preview, inline validation, or diff output to confirm the transformation looks correct before you copy anything back into your project.
Step 4: Export or chain another tool
Copy the result, download a file, or jump into a related FreeTools.run utility (like Diff Checker or the QR Code Generator) to continue the workflow without leaving the browser.