What's the difference between encoding a value and a whole address?

A value (such as one query parameter) has every special character encoded, including / ? & = : and #, so it can't break the address around it. A whole address keeps those characters, which give a URL its structure, and only encodes things like spaces and non-English letters.

Why is a space sometimes %20 and sometimes +?

%20 works everywhere in a URL. A + means a space only in form-style query strings (application/x-www-form-urlencoded). This tool encodes spaces as %20; when decoding, turn on 'Treat + as a space' for form data.

Why does decoding fail with an invalid % sequence?

Every % must be followed by two hex digits (like %20). A stray % — for example in '50%' — or a cut-off sequence can't be decoded, and the tool tells you which position it is at.

Does it handle accents and emoji?

Yes. Characters are encoded as UTF-8 (é becomes %C3%A9) and decoded back the same way.

Utility

URL Encode & Decode

Percent-encode text so it's safe inside a web address, or decode %20-style links back to readable text. Runs in your browser.

Text or address to encode

Options

What are you encoding?

How it works

1
Choose Encode or Decode.
2
Paste your text or address. When encoding, say whether it is a value or a whole address.
3
Copy the result. Invalid % sequences are pointed out by position.

URL Encode & Decode — frequently asked questions

What's the difference between encoding a value and a whole address?: A value (such as one query parameter) has every special character encoded, including / ? & = : and #, so it can't break the address around it. A whole address keeps those characters, which give a URL its structure, and only encodes things like spaces and non-English letters.
Why is a space sometimes %20 and sometimes +?: %20 works everywhere in a URL. A + means a space only in form-style query strings (application/x-www-form-urlencoded). This tool encodes spaces as %20; when decoding, turn on 'Treat + as a space' for form data.
Why does decoding fail with an invalid % sequence?: Every % must be followed by two hex digits (like %20). A stray % — for example in '50%' — or a cut-off sequence can't be decoded, and the tool tells you which position it is at.
Does it handle accents and emoji?: Yes. Characters are encoded as UTF-8 (é becomes %C3%A9) and decoded back the same way.