What is URL encoding?

URL encoding (percent encoding) converts special characters in a URL into a % followed by two hexadecimal digits. For example, a space becomes %20. This ensures URLs are transmitted correctly over the internet.

What is the difference between encodeURI and encodeURIComponent?

encodeURI encodes a full URL, preserving characters like ://?&=. encodeURIComponent encodes individual components (like query values), encoding those characters too. Use encodeURIComponent for query string values.

When do I need to URL encode?

Whenever you include special characters (spaces, &, =, #, etc.) in a URL query parameter. For example, when passing a search query or user-entered text in a URL.

What characters are safe in URLs?

Letters (A–Z, a–z), digits (0–9), and - _ . ~ are unreserved and safe without encoding. All other characters should be percent-encoded.

URL Encoder / Decoder

Developer

Encode and decode URL strings and query parameters.

Text / URL to Encode0 chars

Full URL (encodeURI)

encodeURIComponent — encodes all special characters including ://?&= (best for query values).

How to use URL Encoder / Decoder

1Select "Encode" to percent-encode a URL, or "Decode" to convert an encoded URL back to readable text.
2Paste your URL or text into the input field.
3Click Encode or Decode to get the result.
4Copy the output with the copy button.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Percent Encoding — Wikipedia

How URL percent-encoding works and which characters are encoded

URL — Wikipedia

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Query String — Wikipedia

How query parameters work in URLs

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