Encode or decode URLs and URI components — convert special characters for safe links or restore encoded strings to readable text. Choose full URL or component encoding. Runs entirely in your browser.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is URL encoding?
URL encoding replaces unsafe characters (spaces, ampersands, unicode) with percent-encoded equivalents so URLs work correctly in browsers and HTTP requests.
Encode vs decode — which do I need?
Encode when building links with special characters or UTM parameters. Decode when reading encoded query strings or debugging redirect URLs.
Does this handle full URLs?
Yes. In encode mode, full URLs are encoded with encodeURI which preserves structural characters like : / ? & =.
Need UTM links instead?
Use the UTM Link Builder to add campaign parameters with automatic encoding.
Is this tool free and does it work on mobile?
Yes on both counts. The URL Encoder Decoder on draft21 is completely free with no sign-up required and works on all devices.