URL Encoder & Decoder

URL encoder and decoder for query strings, redirects, UTM parameters, and API requests

Spaces, ampersands, question marks, hashes, and non‑ASCII characters break URLs when they appear in the wrong place. This URL encoder percent‑encodes special characters so a value can be safely embedded in a query string, path segment, or redirect URL. The decoder reverses the process — turning percent‑encoded URLs back into readable text. Both directions work in the browser, with no upload and no account.

A common mistake is encoding an entire URL when only a parameter value needs encoding. This tool's two‑mode layout makes the distinction clear: paste a value to encode, or paste a full encoded URL to decode. The output updates as you type.

Who uses it

• Marketers and growth teams — build UTM‑tagged campaign URLs with safe parameter values that include spaces, ampersands, or non‑English text.
• API developers and testers — construct query strings for REST API requests and debug broken redirect URLs from support tickets.
• Frontend and full‑stack developers — encode callback URLs for OAuth flows, payment integrations, and webhook registration.
• SEO and analytics teams — decode tracking links to see the actual destination before clicking or sharing.

How to use it well

1. Select Encode or Decode mode. The input label changes so the direction is always clear.
2. Paste the text or URL. For encoding, paste only the parameter value — not the full URL — unless you are nesting one URL inside another.
3. The result appears in the output panel immediately. Review it before pasting into production links or API calls.
4. Copy the encoded or decoded output. Keep a clean original if you may need to iterate on the parameters later.

Practical tips

• Encode only the value portion of a query parameter — ?name=John%20Doe not %3Fname%3DJohn%20Doe — unless you are nesting a full URL inside another URL.
• Decode tracking and redirect links before clicking them to see where they actually point.
• Watch for ampersands in parameter values — an unencoded & in a value gets parsed as a new parameter separator.
• For OAuth callback URLs and payment‑gateway return URLs, encode the full redirect URL before nesting it in the parent URL.

Common use cases

• Building UTM‑tagged campaign URLs with spaces and special characters in parameter values
• Encoding callback and redirect URLs for OAuth, payment gateway, and webhook integrations
• Debugging broken redirects from support tickets and email links
• Preparing query parameters for REST API requests with user‑supplied input
• Decoding obfuscated tracking links to inspect the final destination domain

Privacy and browser‑side processing

All encoding and decoding runs locally in the browser. URLs and parameter values you paste never leave your device — important when URLs contain API keys, tokens, or internal hostnames. For production credentials and regulated data, follow your team's security policy.

Related searches and tools

People who use this URL encoder often also need Base64 Encoder (encode text for Basic Auth headers and data URIs), Regex Tester (validate URL patterns against sample input), and JWT Decoder (inspect tokens used in API Authorization headers). All three run in‑browser.