What is URL Encoding?
URL encoding (percent-encoding) replaces unsafe or reserved characters with a % followed by two hex digits—for example, a space becomes %20. That keeps data safe when it is placed inside query strings and paths.
How to Encode and Decode URLs
- Paste the text or encoded string you want to convert.
- Click Encode URL to apply percent-encoding.
- Click Decode URL to turn percent-encoded text back into readable characters.
- Copy the result or clear both fields to start over.
Why URL Encoding is Important
- Keeps spaces, symbols, and unicode safe inside URLs.
- Reduces broken links when sharing query parameters.
- Helps servers and APIs interpret values predictably.
Example
Normal text
hello world & more
Encoded
hello%20world%20%26%20more
FAQ
- What is URL encoding used for?
- It is used to put arbitrary text into URLs—especially query parameters—without breaking the address or confusing servers.
- Is encoding reversible?
- Yes. With valid percent-encoding, decoding returns the original string. Invalid sequences may produce errors when decoding.
- Is this tool free?
- Yes. SmartFlexa offers this encoder and decoder at no cost with no signup required.
- Is my data secure?
- Processing happens in your browser. Your input is not uploaded to our servers for this tool.