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SmaftyTools

URL Encode/Decode

Encode or decode URLs and query strings online. Free URL encoder/decoder for percent-encoding special characters.

Output

Output will appear here

About URL Encode/Decode

The URL Encode/Decode tool converts text to percent-encoded form and back. URL encoding (also called percent encoding) replaces characters that aren't allowed in URLs — spaces, ampersands, question marks, non-ASCII characters — with a % followed by their hexadecimal code, so links and query strings stay valid.

Use it to build safe query-string parameters, debug encoded URLs from server logs, or decode links copied from emails and analytics tools that have been encoded one or more times. The tool handles full UTF-8, so international text encodes and decodes correctly.

Encoding happens instantly as you type, entirely in your browser.

How to Use the URL Encode/Decode

  1. Select Encode or Decode mode.
  2. Paste the text or URL into the input box.
  3. Read the converted output that appears instantly.
  4. Click Copy to use the result in your code or browser.

Features

  • Instant percent encoding and decoding
  • Full UTF-8 support for international characters
  • Handles complete URLs or individual query parameters
  • Clear errors for malformed encoded input

Frequently Asked Questions

When do I need to URL encode text?

Whenever you put user text into a URL — query parameters, path segments or form submissions. Characters like spaces, &, ?, # and = have special meaning in URLs and must be encoded to be treated as data.

What does %20 mean in a URL?

%20 is the percent-encoded form of a space character. Each encoded character is a % sign followed by the character's byte value in hexadecimal.

Is the URL encoder free?

Yes, the URL encoder is completely free with no usage limits. No signup, no account and no installation required.

Is my data safe?

Yes. All processing happens locally in your browser using JavaScript — nothing you type is uploaded or stored on our servers.

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