Encode a query value
Sample input
free tools & templates
Encoded output
- free%20tools%20%26%20templates
URL Encoder / Decoder
Encode text into URL-safe percent encoding or decode URL-encoded values back to readable text.
Encoding Toolsavailable
Converted output will appear here.
Enter text before converting.
About URL Encoder / Decoder
Use the URL Encoder / Decoder to convert readable text into percent-encoded URL text or decode percent-encoded values back into readable text. It is useful for query parameter values, copied links, API parameters, redirect values, debugging snippets, and text that includes spaces, symbols, or Unicode characters.
How to use
- Choose Encode when you want to convert readable text into percent-encoded URL text.
- Choose Decode when you want to turn URL-encoded text back into readable text.
- Paste or type your input into the text box.
- Click Convert to create the output.
- Copy the converted result when you need to use it elsewhere, or clear the tool to start again.
Worked example
Features
- Encodes spaces, symbols, punctuation, and Unicode text.
- Decodes valid percent-encoded text back to readable text.
- Uses browser-native URL component encoding and decoding.
- Shows a clear error when encoded text is malformed.
- Keeps input and output side by side for quick checking.
- Runs in the browser without requiring an account.
How it works
- Encode mode checks that input exists before converting.
- The tool uses encodeURIComponent, which is designed for encoding URL components such as query parameter values.
- Spaces are encoded as %20 rather than plus signs.
- Characters such as ampersands, equals signs, slashes, and question marks are encoded when they appear in the input.
- Decode mode uses decodeURIComponent to turn valid percent-encoded text back into readable text.
- Malformed percent sequences return a clear error instead of showing partial or broken output.
Common use cases
- Encoding query parameter values before adding them to a URL.
- Decoding copied URL strings from logs, analytics tools, redirects, or APIs.
- Checking how spaces, symbols, and Unicode characters appear when percent-encoded.
- Preparing sample encoded values for documentation and support examples.
- Debugging redirect URLs and callback parameters.
- Round-tripping text to confirm an encoded value decodes as expected.
Frequently asked questions
What does the URL Encoder / Decoder do?
It encodes text into URL-safe percent-encoded text and decodes valid URL-encoded text back to readable text.
What kind of encoding does it use?
It uses browser-native URL component encoding, which is commonly used for query parameter values and other URL parts.
Does it encode spaces?
Yes. Spaces are encoded as %20.
Can it encode full URLs?
Yes, you can paste a full URL, but the tool treats the whole input as text and encodes reserved characters such as colons, slashes, question marks, and equals signs.
When should I encode only a query value?
Encode only the value when you are building a URL such as ?q=free tools. Encoding the value keeps separators like ? and & under your control.
Can it decode copied URLs from logs?
Yes. Paste the encoded text and use Decode to make percent-encoded characters readable again.
Why does decoding fail?
Decoding can fail when the input contains incomplete or malformed percent-encoded characters, such as a percent sign without the required hexadecimal characters.
Does it support Unicode characters?
Yes. Unicode text such as accented letters and non-Latin characters can be encoded and decoded.
Is URL encoding the same as encryption?
No. URL encoding is a reversible format for making text safe in URLs. It does not hide or protect the original value.
Is my input sent to ToolMetro?
No. Encoding and decoding run in your browser and do not require server-side processing or an account.