URL Encoder

Encode or decode unsafe characters for URL query strings.

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Free URL Encoder & Decoder 2026

Welcome to Code Formatter URL Encoder ? your essential utility for percent-encoding and decoding URLs. Whether you need to pass complex query parameters in a GET request, fix double-encoded links, or debug API payloads, our online URL converter ensures your strings are web-safe instantly.

URLs can only contain a specific set of safe characters (ASCII alphanumerics). All other characters (like spaces, emojis, or symbols like `&`, `?`, `/`) must be encoded (replaced with a `%` followed by two hexadecimal digits) to be transmitted correctly over the internet.

How to Use This Tool

Switch instantly between modes:

To Encode (Text ? URL Safe)

  1. Select "Encode" mode (default).
  2. Paste your text (e.g., `Hello World?`) into the Input box.
  3. The tool outputs `Hello%20World%3F`.

To Decode (URL Encoded ? Text)

  1. Click "Decode".
  2. Paste your encoded string (e.g., `%E2%9C%94%20Check`).
  3. The tool reveals the original text: `? Check`.

Why is URL Encoding Necessary?

1. Query Parameters

If you have a URL like `search?q=C++ Books`, the `+` character has a special meaning (space) in URLs, or might be interpreted incorrectly. Encoding it to `C%2B%2B%20Books` ensures the server receives exactly what you typed.

2. Reserved Characters

Characters like `/`, `?`, `:`, and `@` are used to structure URLs. If your data itself contains these characters (e.g. a password or a redirect URL), they must be encoded so the browser doesn't confuse them with the URL structure.

3. International Characters

URLs were originally designed for English (ASCII). To use characters from other languages (like Japanese, Arabic, or Emojis), they must be UTF-8 encoded and then percent-encoded.

Key Features

  • Standard Compliant: Uses standard JavaScript `encodeURIComponent` which strictly follows RFC 3986.
  • Safe Decoding: Handles `decodeURIComponent` gracefully, alerting you if a malformed URI sequence is detected.
  • Live Conversion: See the result instantly as you type. No page reloads required.
  • Privacy First: Everything happens in your browser. Sensitive API keys or tokens in your URLs serve never leave your device.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between `encodeURI` and `encodeURIComponent`?

`encodeURI` is for full URLs (preserves `http://`, `?`, etc.), while `encodeURIComponent` is for individual parameters (encodes EVERYTHING including `/` and `:`) Our tool uses `encodeURIComponent` by default for maximum safety.

Why did my space become `%20` or `+`?

Historically, spaces could be `+` in query strings, but `%20` is the standard percent-encoding for a space character. Both are widely accepted.

Can this decode double-encoded URLs?

Yes, but you might need to click "Decode" twice. If you see `%2520`, decoding once gives `%20`, decoding again gives a Space.

Is it secure for API keys?

Yes. Since the computation is local (client-side), you can paste URLs containing sensitive tokens without fear of them being logged on a server.

Does it support Emojis?

Yes! Emojis are encoded as multiple percent sequences. For example, `??` becomes `%F0%9F%91%8B`.

Code Formatter ? 2026. Professional developer tools built with privacy and performance in mind.

?? Read Our Complete URL Encoding Guide ?

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