URL Encoder / Decoder

What is URL encoding?

URLs can only contain a limited set of characters. Spaces, accented letters, emoji and symbols such as &, ? and # must be converted to a percent sign followed by a code. For example, a space becomes %20 and “é” becomes %C3%A9. This is called URL encoding or percent-encoding.

How to use the URL encoder and decoder

1. Paste your text or URL into the input box.
2. Choose a mode: Component encodes everything, which is right for a single query value. Full URL keeps characters like : / ? & = so the link still works.
3. Click Encode or Decode.
4. When you decode a full URL, its query parameters are listed in a table.

When do you need URL encoding?

• Adding search terms or names to a query string
• Building links for ads, emails and APIs
• Creating WhatsApp or mailto links with a pre-filled message
• Reading tracking links and redirects that are hard to understand

Encoding vs slugs

Encoding keeps the exact text but makes URLs long and hard to read. For page addresses, a clean slug is better for SEO. Create one with the URL slug generator. To add campaign tracking to a link, use the UTM builder.

Common encoded characters

Component vs. full URL encoding

Component mode (encodeURIComponent) encodes every reserved character. Use it for a single value you are putting into a query string, such as a search term or a redirect address. Full URL mode (encodeURI) keeps the characters that give a URL its structure, like :, /, ?, & and =, and only encodes spaces and unsafe characters. Use it to clean up an entire link.

Practical examples

• WhatsApp link: https://wa.me/447700900123?text=Hello%20there. The message must be encoded.
• Google search link: https://www.google.com/search?q=free%20seo%20tools
• Tracking links: decode long redirect URLs to see where they really go before clicking.

Reading query parameters

When you decode a full URL, the tool lists every query parameter in a table, which makes it easy to check UTM tags, affiliate IDs and redirect targets. To build campaign links, use the UTM builder.

Frequently asked questions