URL Encode and Decode

How to encode or decode a URL

1. Paste your text or web address in the Input box.
2. Tick the box if you are converting a whole web address and want to keep characters such as : / ? and =.
3. Press Encode or Decode and copy the result.

Questions and answers

Why do web addresses need encoding?

Characters such as spaces, accents and symbols are not allowed in a web address as they are, so they are replaced by a percent sign and a code, for example %20 for a space.

When should I tick the whole address option?

Tick it when you are encoding a full address, so the colon and slashes stay readable. Leave it off when you encode one value, such as a search word, that will go inside an address.

Why do I see an error when decoding?

The text has a percent sign that is not followed by a valid code. Check for a stray or cut-off sequence.

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