URL Encoder Decoder Online - Encode and Decode URL Text

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Encode HTML-sensitive characters to entities or decode entities back to readable text.

String Escape / Unescape

Escape or unescape strings for JSON, JavaScript, HTML, and debugging workflows.

Example

Encode a query value

Spaces, ampersands, and other special characters must be encoded when used inside query values.

Input


                        hello world & tools

Output


                        hello%20world%20%26%20tools

Encode a nested redirect URL

Encode a full URL when it is being passed as a value inside another URL, such as a redirect or return parameter.

Input


                        https://app.example.com/dashboard?tab=billing&plan=pro

Output


                        https%3A%2F%2Fapp.example.com%2Fdashboard%3Ftab%3Dbilling%26plan%3Dpro

Keep a literal plus sign

Literal plus signs should be encoded as %2B so they are not mistaken for spaces in form-style query decoding.

Input


                        C++ guide

Output


                        C%2B%2B%20guide

Practical Notes

encodeURIComponent is best for individual query parameter values.
A full URL should not always be encoded as one string unless it is being nested inside another URL.
If decoding fails, the input may contain an incomplete percent escape such as % without two hex digits.
Encode raw ampersands inside values as %26 so they do not split one query value into multiple parameters.
Encode hash signs inside query values as %23 so the browser does not treat the rest of the value as a fragment.
Use URL encoding for URL components, HTML entities for HTML, and JSON escaping for JSON strings. Each context has different rules.

How to Use

1. Paste a URL or text value into the input field.
2. Click Encode to percent-encode special characters.
3. Click Decode to turn encoded text back into readable text.
4. Use Swap or Copy Output to continue working with the result.

Features

Encodes text with standard URL percent-encoding
Decodes percent-encoded URL strings back to readable text
Shows clear errors for invalid encoded input
Supports swap and copy actions for fast workflows
Useful for query strings, redirect URLs, API parameters, and debugging
Handles spaces, ampersands, question marks, slashes, plus signs, and Unicode text
Runs locally in your browser

Use Cases

Encoding query parameter values that contain spaces or special characters
Decoding copied URLs from logs, analytics, or browser redirects
Preparing redirect URLs for OAuth, tracking, or testing flows
Checking whether an API parameter has been encoded correctly
Encoding nested return URLs before adding them to login, checkout, or OAuth links
Debugging campaign URLs where raw ampersands or hash signs split values incorrectly

Frequently Asked Questions

What is URL encoding?

URL encoding replaces unsafe or reserved characters with percent-encoded sequences so they can safely appear in URLs.

Should I encode an entire URL?

Usually you encode individual parts such as query parameter values. Encode a full URL only when it is being passed as a value inside another URL.

Why does a space become %20?

A raw space is not safe in URLs, so percent-encoding represents it as %20.

Why does a plus sign sometimes become a space?

In form-style query encoding, plus signs can represent spaces. If you need a literal plus sign, such as in C++ or a phone number, encode it as %2B.

Is my URL sent anywhere?

No. Encoding and decoding run locally in your browser after the page loads, so pasted URLs and query strings are not uploaded for processing.

When should I use encodeURIComponent?

Use encodeURIComponent for individual query parameter values, such as a search term, redirect URL, or campaign value. Encoding a full URL as one string is usually only needed when nesting it inside another URL.

How should I encode a redirect URL parameter?

Encode the entire redirect URL before placing it inside another URL parameter. This keeps its question marks, ampersands, slashes, and hash signs from being interpreted as part of the outer URL.