URL Encoder/Decoder
Safely encode URLs and decode URL-encoded strings.
You can also drag and drop a text file here
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About URL Encoding/Decoding
What is URL Encoding?
URL encoding converts special characters in URLs to a format that can be transmitted over the Internet. It replaces unsafe ASCII characters with a "%" followed by two hexadecimal digits representing the character's UTF-8 encoding.
Two Types of URL Encoding
- encodeURI: For encoding a complete URL, preserves characters like :, /, &, =
- encodeURIComponent: For encoding URL components (like query parameters), encodes characters like /, &, :, =
Common Use Cases
- Making URLs safe for transmission in HTTP requests
- Encoding form data in query parameters
- Ensuring special characters are properly represented in URLs
- Creating valid URLs from user input containing spaces or special characters
- Handling internationalized domain names and paths
Frequently Asked Questions
What is URL encoding and why is it needed?
URL encoding (percent encoding) converts special characters in URLs to a format safe for Internet transmission. It replaces unsafe characters with "%" followed by their hexadecimal representation. This ensures URLs work correctly across different systems and browsers.
What's the difference between encodeURI and encodeURIComponent?
encodeURI is for encoding complete URLs and preserves characters like :, /, ?, &, = that are valid in URL structure. encodeURIComponent is for encoding URL components (like query parameters) and encodes ALL special characters including /, &, :, = to prevent conflicts.
When should I use encodeURI vs encodeURIComponent?
Use encodeURI when encoding a complete URL that you want to keep functional. Use encodeURIComponent when encoding individual parts like query parameter values, form data, or any text that will be part of a URL but isn't a complete URL itself.
Which characters get encoded in URL encoding?
Commonly encoded characters include spaces (to %20), & (to %26), = (to %3D), ? (to %3F), # (to %23), + (to %2B), and many Unicode characters. The exact characters depend on whether you're using encodeURI or encodeURIComponent.
Can I decode URLs that were encoded by other tools or languages?
Yes, URL encoding is a standard (RFC 3986), so URLs encoded by any compliant tool, programming language, or system should decode correctly. Our tool uses JavaScript's built-in decoding functions which follow the standard.
Why do I sometimes see + instead of %20 for spaces?
The + character is an older way to encode spaces in form data (application/x-www-form-urlencoded). Modern URL encoding uses %20 for spaces. Our tool uses the standard %20 encoding, but both are widely supported.
What happens if I try to decode invalid URL-encoded text?
If you try to decode malformed URL-encoded text (like incomplete percent sequences or invalid hexadecimal values), the tool will show an error. Make sure your input contains valid percent-encoded sequences like %20, %3D, etc.
Can I encode international characters and emojis?
Yes, the tool properly handles Unicode characters including international text, accented characters, and emojis. These are encoded using UTF-8 representation, which may result in multiple percent-encoded bytes for a single character.
Is my data secure when using this tool?
Yes, all encoding and decoding happens entirely in your browser using client-side JavaScript. No data is sent to our servers or stored anywhere. Your URLs and text remain completely private throughout the process.
Can I use this tool for encoding form data?
Yes, this tool is perfect for encoding form data that will be sent in URLs or POST requests. Use the encodeURIComponent option for encoding individual form field values to ensure special characters are properly handled.
How do I handle very long URLs?
The tool can handle URLs of any practical length. However, keep in mind that different browsers and servers have URL length limits (typically 2000-8000 characters). Very long encoded URLs might be rejected by some systems.
Can I batch encode/decode multiple URLs?
The current tool processes one URL at a time for accuracy. You can paste multiple URLs line by line and process them individually. For bulk operations, you might want to use programming scripts or command-line tools.