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URL Codec

Encode and decode URLs, escape strings for HTML, JSON, and SQL. Features an intelligent Query Parameter Parser for debugging complex links.

Input Text / URL
URL Component
(Empty)
Use this for query parameter values. Escapes characters like /, ?, &.
HTML Entities
(Empty)
Safe to embed in HTML. Escapes <, >, &, quotes.
JSON / JS String
""
Safe to paste into a JavaScript variable or JSON file.
Base64
(Empty)
Standard Base64 encoding (UTF-8 safe).
Full URL (encodeURI)
(Empty)
Keeps URL structure (:, /, ?, #) intact. Use for full links.

What is URL Encoding (Percent-Encoding)?

URL encoding, officially known as percent-encoding, is a mechanism for encoding information in a Uniform Resource Identifier (URI). Characters that are not allowed in a URL must be translated into a safe format. The allowed characters are limited to the US-ASCII character set, which includes uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and a few punctuation marks (-, _, ., ~).

Any other character—such as spaces, emojis, or foreign scripts—must be encoded. For example, a space becomes %20, and the character @ becomes %40. This ensures that data passed via URLs (like search queries or form submissions) is transmitted reliably across the internet without breaking the structure of the link.

Why Use This Online URL Encoder & Decoder?

Whether you are a web developer, digital marketer, or data analyst, managing URLs is a daily task. Here is why this tool is essential:

  • Debugging Web APIs: When sending data via GET requests, special characters like & or = can break the request if not properly encoded. This tool fixes that instantly.
  • Data Security & XSS Prevention: This tool doesn't just URL encode; it also provides HTML Entity escaping. This is critical for developers to sanitize user inputs and prevent Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attacks.
  • UTM Parameter Management: Marketers use UTM tags (`utm_source`) to track traffic. Our built-in Parameter Parser helps you verify that your tracking tags are formatted correctly.
  • JSON & JavaScript Safety: Safely escape strings to paste them directly into JSON files or JavaScript code variables without syntax errors.

How to Use the URL Codec Tool

Using this tool is straightforward. Here is a step-by-step guide to ensure you get the most out of it:

For Encoding:

  1. Enter Text: Paste your raw text, URL, or code snippet into the input box on the "Encode" tab.
  2. Select Format: Instantly view multiple encoded formats (URL Component, Full URL, HTML Entities, Base64).
  3. Copy Result: Click the "Copy" icon next to the format you need.

For Decoding:

  1. Switch Tab: Click on the "Decode URL" tab.
  2. Paste & Decode: Paste a messy, percent-encoded string (like Hello%20World%21). The tool auto-detects and decodes it immediately.
  3. Analyze Parameters: If the decoded text is a URL, scroll down to the "Detected URL Parameters" table to see a breakdown of every query variable.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the difference between `encodeURI` and `encodeURIComponent`?

encodeURI is designed for full URLs; it preserves special characters that have meaning in a URL structure like :, /, ?, and #. encodeURIComponent encodes everything, including these separators. Use encodeURIComponent when you are putting data inside a query parameter.

Why do spaces turn into `%20` or `+`?

In the standard URI spec, spaces are unsafe. %20 is the standard percent-encoding for a space character. + is an older convention often used specifically in query strings, but %20 is more universally compatible.

Is URL encoding the same as encryption?

No. URL encoding is NOT encryption. It simply translates data into a transmission-safe format. Anyone can decode a URL-encoded string. Do not use it to send passwords.

Does this tool send my data to a server?

No. This URL Codec runs 100% in your browser using JavaScript. No data ever leaves your device, making it safe for private URLs or tokens.