AXS TXTAXS TXT

URL Encode / Decode

Percent-encode text for safe use in URLs, or decode an encoded URL back to plain text.

URLs can only safely contain certain characters, so spaces, ampersands and accents have to be percent-encoded (a space becomes %20). URL Encode / Decode converts text into that safe form and decodes encoded URLs back to readable text.

How to use url encode / decode

  1. 1. Paste text or an encoded URL.
  2. 2. Choose encode or decode.
  3. 3. Copy the result.

When to use URL Encode / Decode

Build a safe query string

Encode a value so it can be dropped into a URL parameter without breaking it.

Read an encoded link

Decode a messy %-encoded URL back into plain, readable text.

Debug web requests

Check how parameters are encoded when troubleshooting an API or link.

Frequently asked questions

Why does a space become %20?

Spaces aren't allowed in URLs, so they're percent-encoded. Many characters get the same treatment to keep the URL valid.

What's the difference from Base64?

URL encoding only escapes unsafe characters for URLs; Base64 re-encodes everything into an A–Z/0–9 alphabet for text-safe transport.

Is my input private?

Yes — it's processed in your browser.

Your text is processed entirely in your browser and never uploaded — read more on the security page. Looking for more? Browse our full set of text tools or read guides on the blog.