NetLabToolsNetLabTools

URL Encoder / Decoder

Encode and decode URLs and URL parameters

What is URL Encoding?

URL encoding (also called percent encoding) is a method where special characters in URLs are replaced with a percent sign notation. For example, a space becomes %20 and an ampersand (&) becomes %26. This is necessary because URLs may only contain certain ASCII characters. Without correct encoding, links can break or be misinterpreted - especially with special characters and non-ASCII characters. Proper URL encoding is a fundamental aspect of web development and API design.

How do I use the URL Encoder?

Choose between "Encode" and "Decode". Enter your text or URL - the result is shown live. With the "Encode full URL" option, only invalid characters are encoded (the structure is preserved). Without this option, all special characters are encoded, which is suitable for URL parameters. You can copy the result to your clipboard with a single click.

Why use URL Encoding online?

Whether you are building query parameters, testing an API, or creating debug links - correct URL encoding prevents errors and security vulnerabilities. Our tool works with the native browser functions encodeURIComponent and encodeURI, delivering reliable results. Everything runs locally in your browser without any data being transmitted, ensuring your URLs and parameters remain completely private.

More Tools

Also try our Base64 Encoder for binary data, the JSON Formatter for API responses, or the HTML Entities Encoder for HTML escaping.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the URL Encoder free?
Yes, the tool is completely free with no registration required.
What is the difference between encodeURI and encodeURIComponent?
encodeURI keeps URL structural characters like /, ?, & intact. encodeURIComponent encodes everything, which is what you usually want for individual query parameters.
Does the tool send my URLs anywhere?
No, encoding and decoding happen entirely in your browser. Your URLs and parameters stay private.
Can it handle Unicode characters?
Yes, the encoder uses UTF-8 percent encoding so non-ASCII characters and emojis are correctly handled.

Related Tools