Question 1

What is URL encoding?

Accepted Answer

URL encoding (also called percent-encoding) replaces characters that are not allowed in a URL with a percent sign followed by the character's hex code. For example, a space becomes %20 and an ampersand becomes %26.

Question 2

When should I encode a URL?

Accepted Answer

Encode strings before adding them as query parameter values. If you paste a raw string like hello world into a URL, the space breaks the URL structure. Encoding it to hello%20world keeps the URL valid.

Question 3

What is the difference between Encode and Decode?

Accepted Answer

Encode converts plain text to percent-encoded format safe for use in URLs. Decode does the reverse, converting %XX sequences back to their original characters. Type in either box and press the appropriate button.

Question 4

Does this tool encode the entire URL or just a value?

Accepted Answer

It uses encodeURIComponent, which encodes individual values rather than full URLs. This is the correct function for encoding query parameter values, path segments, or any string you want to embed in a URL.

Question 5

Is my data sent to a server?

Accepted Answer

No. Encoding and decoding use the browser's built-in encodeURIComponent and decodeURIComponent functions. No data is transmitted anywhere.

URL Encode/Decode

Free URL encode and decode tool

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