URL encode / decode

Turn spaces, accented letters and symbols into a URL-safe form (e.g. “é” → “%C3%A9”) or decode such an address back.

Encode Decode

Whole address (keep / ? & =)

Input

Output

Everything happens in your browser - nothing you type here is sent to any server.

How it works

Why encode addresses

A URL can only contain some characters. Spaces, accented letters and symbols like & or = must be written as “%” and a byte code - otherwise the browser or server reads the address wrong. This matters most for parameter values, such as a search phrase in ?q=.

A value or a whole address

When encoding a parameter value, every special character is replaced, including / ? & = (like encodeURIComponent in JavaScript). When encoding a whole address those characters stay, as they mark its structure (like encodeURI). When decoding, “+” usually means a space - that's how forms write it.

Frequently asked questions

Why is a space sometimes %20 and sometimes +?

In the path of an address a space is always %20. In parameters sent from a form it's written as +. Both are correct in their place.

Are accented letters in addresses fine?

Browsers display them nicely but send them encoded. To be safe, use plain letters in page addresses (e.g. “cafe” rather than “café”).

What does a decoding error mean?

That the text has a % without two hex digits after it, or a code that doesn't form a valid UTF-8 character.