How to encode or decode a URL
- Choose whether you want to encode or decode.
- Say whether it's a parameter (a field's value) or a full URL.
- Type or paste your text: the result appears instantly.
- Copy the result and use it in your link, your code or your query.
Why encode a URL
Web addresses only allow certain characters. Spaces, accented letters, ñ and symbols like & or = are replaced with a % followed by two hexadecimal digits (for example, a space is %20). This is called percent-encoding.
If you're putting a value inside a parameter (?search=…), use “A parameter”, which also encodes : / ? & and =. If you already have a full URL and just want to escape the spaces or accents, use “A full URL”.
Decoding does the opposite: it turns %C3%B1 into ñ and %20 into a space, so you can read a URL as it was originally written.
Things to keep in mind
- When decoding a parameter, the + sign is read as a space, the way web forms do it.
- If the text has a % that isn't followed by two hexadecimal digits, it can't be decoded.
- It doesn't check whether the address exists or is well formed: it only converts characters.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between a parameter and a full URL?
A parameter encodes every special character, including : / ? & =. A full URL keeps those symbols because they're part of its structure.
Why does a space become %20?
Because spaces aren't allowed in a URL. 20 is its code in hexadecimal.
Does it work with accents and emojis?
Yes, they're encoded as UTF-8; for example, ñ becomes %C3%B1.
Is my text sent to a server?
No. Everything happens in your browser and the text never leaves your device.
Is it free?
Yes, it's free, needs no sign-up and works right in your browser.