Encoding · Decoding
URL Encoder & Decoder online
Encode text, parameters and URL components with clear control over RFC 3986 and form encoding.
URL Encode/Decode tool
RFC 3986 uses %20; form encoding uses + for spaces.
Quick guide
What is URL Encoding?
URL encoding represents bytes with percent encoding so values can travel correctly inside a URL. This tool encodes individual components and preserves URL and query-string structure when you choose those options.
What does %20 mean?
Each %XX sequence represents one byte in hexadecimal. A space is commonly written as %20 in RFC 3986; the letter ñ uses several UTF-8 bytes and can therefore produce several percent-encoded sequences.
%20 versus +
RFC 3986 uses %20 for a space. application/x-www-form-urlencoded uses +, and decoding interprets a plus sign as a space. In RFC 3986, + is literal unless written as %2B.
encodeURIComponent versus encodeURI
encodeURIComponent is intended for one component, such as a parameter value. encodeURI preserves separators in a more complete URL. They are not equivalent functions.
When should I encode a URL?
Usually encode the values, segments or parameters that need it rather than indiscriminately encoding the whole URL. The complete-URL option preserves the scheme, host, separators, query and fragment.
Frequently asked questions
Questions about URL encoding
How do I encode a URL?
Enter the value, choose Encode and select RFC 3986 to use %20 for spaces.
How do I decode a URL?
Switch to Decode, paste the percent-encoded value and process it once.
What is percent encoding?
It represents bytes with a percent sign followed by two hexadecimal digits.
What does %20 mean?
It represents a space byte in hexadecimal and is the usual way to express spaces in RFC 3986.
What is the difference between %20 and +?
%20 is the RFC 3986 space; + represents a space in application/x-www-form-urlencoded.
Should I encode a complete URL?
Not always. Encode the required values or components. The advanced option preserves complete-URL separators.
What is double encoding?
It happens when an already encoded value is encoded again; for example, %20 can become %2520.
Are Unicode and emojis supported?
Yes. Text is converted to UTF-8 bytes before percent encoding, supporting accents, non-Latin alphabets and emojis.
Are entered URLs stored?
No. The tool works locally and does not save or send entered content.
