Learn how to use URL Encode/Decode with this step-by-step guide. Includes examples and tips.
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Open URL Encode/DecodeEnter the URL or text to encode/decode.
Characters are encoded/decoded automatically.
Copy the result.
URL encoding (also called percent-encoding) converts special characters into a format safe for use in URLs by replacing them with a % sign followed by their hexadecimal ASCII value. For example, spaces become %20 and ampersands become %26. This ensures URLs are valid and parsed correctly by browsers and servers.
URL encoding is necessary whenever you include special characters in URL parameters, query strings, or path segments. Common scenarios include passing user input in search queries, constructing API calls with dynamic parameters, and building redirect URLs. Without proper encoding, characters like &, =, and # can break URL parsing.
URL encoding converts individual special characters to percent-encoded format for URL safety, while Base64 converts entire binary data streams into ASCII text. URL encoding preserves readability of most characters and only encodes unsafe ones. They serve different purposes and are often used together when transmitting binary data in URLs.
