URL Encoder/Decoder
Convert text to URL-safe format and vice versa. Handles special characters, spaces, and unicode. No server uploads, 100% private.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is URL encoding?
URL encoding converts special characters and spaces into a format safe for URLs. For example, a space becomes %20, an ampersand (&) becomes %26. This ensures URLs are transmitted correctly.
Why do I need to encode URLs?
Some characters have special meaning in URLs (like ?, &, #, =) and others are unsafe (like spaces). Encoding them prevents misinterpretation and ensures the URL works correctly.
Is my data sent to a server?
No. All encoding and decoding happens entirely in your browser using JavaScript. Your text never leaves your device — verify in DevTools Network tab.
What characters get encoded?
Characters that need encoding include spaces, special characters (&, #, ?, =, %, etc.), and non-ASCII characters (accents, unicode). Regular alphanumeric characters (a-z, 0-9) and hyphens, underscores, periods, and tildes typically don't need encoding.
When should I use encoding vs decoding?
Use encoding when you have plain text or a URL that contains special characters that need to be safe for transmission. Use decoding when you have an encoded URL and want to see the original text.