Zap.Tools
By Updated

URL Encoder & Decoder

Encode and decode URLs, query strings, and URI components instantly in your browser

Interactive tool

Input

0 chars
drop a file

Output

Read-only

What is a URL Encoder?

A URL encoder converts special characters in URLs to a format that can be safely transmitted over the internet using percent encoding. A URL decoder reverses this process, converting percent-encoded characters back to their original form. This tool handles both URL encoding and decoding, plus parses query strings.

How to Use This URL Encoder

  1. 1Paste your URL or text in the input field
  2. 2Choose between encode or decode mode
  3. 3Select full URL encoding or component encoding
  4. 4View the result instantly
  5. 5Copy the encoded or decoded output
What you get

Key features

Instant Processing

Encode and decode URLs in real time in your browser

Dual Mode

Switch between encoding and decoding with one click

Component Encoding

Use encodeURIComponent for query parameters and path segments

Full URL Encoding

Use encodeURI for complete URL strings

Query String Parser

Automatically parse and display URL query parameters

Statistics

View character count and encoding statistics

100% Private

Your data never leaves your device

Free Forever

No registration, no limits

Why Encode URLs?

URLs can only contain certain characters from the ASCII character set. Special characters like spaces, quotes, brackets, and non-ASCII characters must be percent-encoded to be safely transmitted in URLs. URL encoding converts these characters to a format like %20 for space, ensuring they are correctly interpreted by web browsers and servers.

Common use cases

  • Encoding query parameters for API requests
  • Decoding URL-encoded data from web requests
  • Creating safe URLs with special characters
  • Debugging URL encoding issues
  • Parsing query strings from URLs
  • Preparing data for URL transmission

URL Encoding vs URI Component Encoding

URL encoding (encodeURI) is designed for complete URLs and preserves special characters like :, /, ?, and &. URI component encoding (encodeURIComponent) is more aggressive and encodes these special characters too, making it suitable for individual query parameters and path segments. Use component encoding when encoding values that will be part of a larger URL.

Common Encoded Characters

  • Space becomes %20
  • ! becomes %21
  • # becomes %23
  • $ becomes %24
  • & becomes %26
  • + becomes %2B
  • = becomes %3D
  • ? becomes %3F
Pro tips

Tips & best practices

Use component encoding for query parameters

When encoding individual parameter values, use component encoding to ensure special characters like & and = are properly encoded

Decode before displaying to users

Always decode URLs before showing them to users for better readability

Encode user input

Always encode user-provided data before adding it to URLs to prevent injection attacks

Watch for double encoding

Avoid encoding already encoded URLs, which can lead to double encoding issues

Use query string parser

The built-in parser helps visualize and debug complex query strings

Built for trust

Privacy & security

This URL encoder runs entirely in your web browser. Your data is never uploaded to any server, stored in any database, or transmitted anywhere. It's 100% private and secure.

Related tools

Frequently Asked Questions

What is URL encoding?

URL encoding, also known as percent encoding, is a method to encode special characters in URLs using the percent sign (%) followed by two hexadecimal digits. This ensures that URLs can be safely transmitted over the internet, as they can only contain certain ASCII characters.

When should I use encodeURI vs encodeURIComponent?

Use encodeURI when encoding a complete URL, as it preserves special URL characters like :, /, ?, and &. Use encodeURIComponent when encoding individual parts of a URL like query parameters or path segments, as it encodes all special characters including those used in URL structure.

Is this URL encoder tool free?

Yes, all tools on Zap.Tools are completely free with no registration required. Use them as much as you need.

Is my data secure and private?

Yes, this URL encoder runs entirely in your web browser. Your data is never uploaded to any server, stored in any database, or transmitted anywhere. It is 100% private and secure.

What characters get encoded in URLs?

Special characters that are not allowed in URLs get encoded, including spaces, quotes, brackets, @, #, $, %, &, +, =, and non-ASCII characters. Each character is converted to its hexadecimal representation preceded by a percent sign.