What is URL encoding?

URL encoding (percent-encoding) replaces unsafe or reserved characters with % followed by hex codes (for example, space → %20). It keeps URLs and query strings valid across servers and browsers.

When should I encode a full URL vs a component?

Encode a full URL when you need to preserve structure characters like /, ?, and &. Encode a component when the value is a single query parameter or path segment and those characters must be escaped.

Why do APIs break without URL encoding?

Unescaped &, =, +, or Unicode in query values can be misparsed as separators or invalid characters. Encoding parameter values prevents truncated requests and 400 errors.

Free tools

URL Encoder / Decoder

Encode special characters in URLs or decode percent-encoded URLs. Essential for working with query parameters and API requests.

Component mode (encodes all special chars)

Text / URL to Encode

Press Ctrl + Enter to convert

Encoded Output

URL Encoding Reference

URL encoding replaces unsafe characters with a "%" followed by two hexadecimal digits representing the character's ASCII value.

Character	Encoded	Description
(space)	%20	Space character
&	%26	Ampersand
=	%3D	Equals sign
?	%3F	Question mark
/	%2F	Forward slash

Component vs Full URL

Component mode encodes all special characters including /, ?, &, = (use for query parameter values).
Full URL mode preserves URL structure characters (use for complete URLs).

FAQ

What is URL encoding?: URL encoding (percent-encoding) replaces unsafe or reserved characters with % followed by hex codes (for example, space → %20). It keeps URLs and query strings valid across servers and browsers.
When should I encode a full URL vs a component?: Encode a full URL when you need to preserve structure characters like /, ?, and &. Encode a component when the value is a single query parameter or path segment and those characters must be escaped.
Why do APIs break without URL encoding?: Unescaped &, =, +, or Unicode in query values can be misparsed as separators or invalid characters. Encoding parameter values prevents truncated requests and 400 errors.