Free Online URL Encoder / Decoder
Encode or decode URLs and query strings with automatic query string parsing. Free, online, 100% client-side — no signup required.
100% Client-Side · Your data never leaves your browserHow to Use URL Encoder / Decoder
Paste a raw URL or text string into the input box. Click Encode to percent-encode it using encodeURIComponent, or switch direction to Decode to recover the original string from a percent-encoded input.
When decoding a URL that contains a query string, a parsed Query String panel will appear below the output, showing the parameters as a structured JSON tree. This is especially useful for inspecting complex URLs from API responses or logs.
Keyboard shortcut: Ctrl/Cmd+Enter to run, Ctrl/Cmd+K to clear.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is URL encoding?
URL encoding (also called percent-encoding) converts characters that are not safe in a URL — like spaces, &, =, # — into a % followed by two hexadecimal digits. For example, a space becomes %20 and & becomes %26.
When should I use encodeURIComponent vs encodeURI?
Use encodeURIComponent (what this tool does) to encode individual query parameter values or path segments. Use encodeURI only when you want to encode a complete URL while preserving characters like /, ?, and # that have structural meaning in URLs.
What does the query string parser do?
When you decode a URL that contains a query string (e.g., ?name=John&role=admin), the tool automatically parses the query parameters and renders them as a structured JSON tree, making it easier to inspect complex or nested query strings.
Is this tool safe to use with sensitive data?
Yes. All processing happens in your browser — no data is sent to any server. This tool does not log, store, or transmit your input.
Why does encoding a full URL break it?
If you encode an entire URL, all the structural characters (://, /, ?) also get encoded, making the result unparseable as a URL. Encode only the values of query parameters, not the full URL structure.