URL Encoder
Encode and decode URLs
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About this tool
This tool percent-encodes text so it can be safely placed inside a URL, and decodes it back. Toggle between encodeURIComponent, for encoding a single query-parameter value, and encodeURI, for encoding a whole URL, with the buttons.
How to use
- Use the component/whole buttons to choose between encodeURIComponent and encodeURI.
- Type or paste text or a URL into the 'Plain' box on the left and the encoded result appears instantly on the right.
- Conversely, paste a percent-encoded string into the right box to restore the original text on the left.
- Use the copy button on either side to grab the value you need.
Frequently asked questions
- What's the difference between component and whole (encodeURI)?
- encodeURIComponent encodes everything, including characters used in URL structure like &, =, and /, so it safely wraps a single query-parameter value. encodeURI leaves URL-structure characters like https:// and / untouched and only encodes the rest, so it is meant for handling a complete, already-formed URL.
- Is URL encoding a form of encryption?
- No. Percent-encoding is just a notation that turns special characters into a form a URL can carry โ anyone can decode it back to the original. Use actual encryption if you need to hide a value.
- Why does encoding Korean text produce several %-prefixed chunks?
- Because a single Korean character takes multiple bytes in UTF-8, and each of those bytes is represented as a two-digit hex value prefixed with %, like %EA%B0%80.
- What happens if I enter a malformed encoded string?
- If the format is broken โ for example a % that isn't followed by two valid hex digits โ an error message reports that decoding failed.
Percent-encoding is a notation change, not encryption. An encoded string can still be reversed by anyone, so do not use it to hide sensitive information.