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Swizztool

URL Encoder / Decoder

Convert strings into percent-encoded URI components or decode percent-encoded URL query parameters back into readable text.

Direction
What are you encoding?

Encodes every reserved character, including / ? & = and #.

Your text 81 chars · 1 line

Result

How to use URL Encoder / Decoder

  1. Select Encode or Decode mode.
  2. Enter your URL or parameter string.
  3. Toggle between Component mode (for query values) and Full URI mode.
  4. Copy the encoded or decoded string.

About URL Encoder / Decoder

Percent-encode text for use in a URL, or decode %20-style strings back to readable text. Choose whether you are encoding a single value such as a query parameter, or a whole URL whose structure should stay intact.

Related tools: JSON Formatter & Validator, Base64 Encoder / Decoder, JWT Decoder, Regex Tester

Encoding a value vs. a full URL

Encoding a value escapes every character that has meaning in a URL, including / ? & = and #. Use it for anything you put inside a query parameter or path segment, such as a search term or a redirect URL.

Encoding a full URL keeps the structure characters and only escapes what is never allowed, like spaces and non-ASCII letters. Use it when you have a complete address with spaces or accented characters that needs to work as a link.

Why encoding matters

An unencoded & inside a parameter value ends that parameter early, and an unencoded # cuts off everything after it. Encoding values correctly prevents broken links and missing data in analytics, redirects, and API calls.

When decoding, a malformed sequence such as a stray % shows an error instead of a guess, so you know the input itself is damaged.

Common uses

Query parameters
Encode a search term or email address before adding it to a URL.
Redirect links
Safely nest one URL inside another as a parameter.
Reading tracking links
Decode UTM-tagged or percent-encoded links to see where they really go.
API testing
Prepare values for GET requests by hand.

Questions about URL Encoder / Decoder

What is the difference between encodeURI and encodeURIComponent?
encodeURIComponent encodes special characters like & = ? : / so they can be safely passed inside query parameters, while encodeURI preserves full URL syntax.
Should I encode spaces as %20 or +?
This tool uses %20, which works everywhere in a URL. The + form is only understood in query strings submitted from HTML forms.
Why does decoding fail?
The text contains a % that is not followed by two valid hex digits. Fix or remove that part and try again.
Is my URL sent to a server?
No. Encoding and decoding happen in your browser.
How do I encode a URL inside another URL?
Choose "A value" mode and encode the inner URL, then add it as a parameter, for example ?redirect= followed by the encoded value.

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Comments

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