URL Encoder / Decoder
Percent-encode special characters in URLs, or decode encoded URLs back to readable form. Handles full URLs and individual query parameters. Runs entirely in your browser.
Encode text for use in URLs with percent encoding, or decode percent-encoded text back into a readable form. This tool uses the browser's standard URI component encoding behavior and processes your input locally.
How to use the URL encoder and decoder
- Paste the text, URL component, or encoded value into the input box.
- Choose Encode to percent-encode the input or Decode to reverse an encoded value.
- Check the converted output and the status message.
- Copy the result when you are ready to use it in a query parameter, path segment, or development workflow.
What URL encoding changes
URL encoding, also called percent encoding, replaces characters that are not safe or convenient inside a URI component with percent-prefixed byte values. This page uses encodeURIComponent and decodeURIComponent behavior, so it is best suited to individual values such as query parameters or path components rather than blindly encoding an entire complete URL.
Reserved characters can have structural meaning in URLs. Encoding an entire URL can also encode separators such as colon, slash, question mark, ampersand, or equals signs that may need to stay structural. Decode only values that are valid percent-encoded input; malformed percent sequences are rejected instead of being silently changed.
Privacy and limitations
Encoding and decoding happen entirely in your browser. Votilo does not need to upload the text you enter. This tool does not validate whether a resulting URL exists or is safe to visit, and URL encoding should not be treated as encryption or protection for secrets.
Frequently asked questions
What does percent encoding look like?
Characters can be represented by a percent sign followed by hexadecimal byte values, such as a space becoming %20.
Should I encode a whole URL?
Usually not with a component encoder. It is normally safer to encode individual parameter values or path components while keeping structural URL separators intact.
Why can decoding fail?
decodeURIComponent rejects malformed percent sequences or invalid encoded byte patterns rather than guessing what they mean.
Is URL encoding the same as encryption?
No. Percent encoding is a reversible representation format and provides no secrecy.
Is my input uploaded?
No. The conversion is performed locally in the browser.