URL Encode and Decode Explained (With Examples)
Learn when to percent-encode query strings and paths, then encode or decode safely in your browser with ToolVera.
Open URL Encoder DecoderSpaces, ampersands, and unicode break URLs if you paste them raw into a query string. URL encoding (percent-encoding) turns those characters into safe %HH sequences so links and API calls survive transit.
How to encode or decode a URL
Use ToolVera’s URL Encoder / Decoder when you need a quick, local conversion — useful for debugging redirects, building query strings, or reading encoded logs.
- Open URL Encoder Decoder.
- Paste the raw string or the encoded URL.
- Choose encode for query values or decode to inspect them.
- Copy the result into your app, docs, or ticket.
- Double-encode only when a system requires it — usually once is enough.
Tips for correct encoding
Encode parameter values, not the entire URL including ? and & separators, unless a specific API demands it. Decode carefully when troubleshooting — a second decode can corrupt already-plain text. For binary blobs or tokens, prefer Base64 Encoder Decoder instead.
Encode or decode a string now at URL Encoder Decoder — conversion stays in your browser.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is URL encoding?+
URL (percent) encoding replaces unsafe characters with %HH sequences so spaces, &, =, and non-ASCII text travel safely in query strings and paths.
When should I decode a URL?+
Decode when you need to read a pasted link, debug a redirect, or inspect parameters that appear as %20 and %2F in logs.
Is encoding the same as Base64?+
No. Percent-encoding is for URL safety. Base64 is for binary-safe text transport — use /tools/base64-encoder-decoder when that is the goal.
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