URL Encode & Decode is a 100% free, browser-based utility that enables you to percent-encode or decode urls and query strings. Unlike traditional cloud converters, all processing executes locally on your device with zero server uploads, delivering immediate results and ironclad data privacy.
About the URL Encode & Decode
URLs may only contain a limited set of characters. Spaces, accented letters, ampersands and other special characters must be percent-encoded, so "hello world" becomes "hello%20world". This tool encodes and decodes text using the same rules as JavaScript.
Use "Component" mode for individual query parameter values (it encodes &, = and /), and "Full URL" mode to encode a complete address while keeping its structure intact.
How to use the URL Encode & Decode
- Choose Encode or Decode.
- For encoding, pick Component (parameter values) or Full URL mode.
- Paste your text and copy the result.
Features
- Component & full-URL modes
- UTF-8 percent-encoding
- Optional + for spaces
- Error handling for bad sequences
Why Choose In-Browser URL Encode & Decode vs Cloud Converters?
| Feature | Toolora (In-Browser) | Traditional Cloud Tools |
|---|---|---|
| Data Privacy | 100% Private (Files stay on device) | Uploaded to remote servers |
| File Size Limits | Unlimited (Limited only by your RAM) | Restricted (e.g. 10MB–50MB caps) |
| Processing Speed | Instant (Zero upload/download delay) | Slow upload & queue waiting |
| Ads & Popups | Clean, distraction-free | Heavy banner & interstitial ads |
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between encodeURI and encodeURIComponent?
encodeURI keeps characters that have meaning in a URL, such as : / ? & = #. encodeURIComponent encodes those too, which is what you need for a single query value that might contain & or =.
Should spaces be %20 or +?
Both are common. %20 is correct everywhere in a URL. + means a space only in form-encoded query strings (application/x-www-form-urlencoded). Enable "Spaces as +" if you need that format.
Why does decoding fail?
Decoding fails when a % is not followed by two hexadecimal digits, or when the bytes do not form valid UTF-8. The error message explains which part is malformed.