Free Online URL Encoders
URL encode and decode plain URLs, JSON, XML, and YAML instantly. All 8 tools run client-side — your data stays private.
What Is URL Encoding and Why Is It Needed?
URL encoding (also called percent-encoding) converts characters that are not allowed in URLs — such as spaces, &, =, and non-ASCII characters — into a %XX format that can be safely transmitted in query strings and HTTP requests.
When passing JSON, XML, or YAML as a URL parameter, the entire payload must be URL-encoded to prevent it from being misinterpreted as URL structure. Our tools handle encoding and decoding for each format instantly.
Common Use Cases
- check_circleEncode a JSON payload to pass as a URL query parameter
- check_circleDecode a percent-encoded URL received from an API or redirect
- check_circleEncode XML data for use in a GET request body
- check_circleURL-encode special characters in a YAML config string
- check_circleDecode a URL-encoded form submission to inspect its values
- check_circleEncode callback URLs containing special characters
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between URL encode and Base64 encode?
URL encoding replaces unsafe URL characters with %XX sequences, keeping the data human-readable. Base64 encoding converts binary or text data into a compact alphanumeric string, commonly used for HTTP headers and data URIs.
When should I URL-encode JSON?
When passing a JSON object as a query string parameter or in a GET request. Without encoding, characters like {, }, :, and " will break the URL structure.
Is URL encoding the same as HTML encoding?
No. URL encoding uses %XX sequences for HTTP transport. HTML encoding uses named entities like & and < to represent special characters safely in HTML documents.
Why does a space become %20 or + in URLs?
Spaces are encoded as %20 in standard percent-encoding (RFC 3986). In HTML form data (application/x-www-form-urlencoded), spaces are encoded as + instead.
Developer Insights
From the Blog
What is URL Encoding? A Complete Guide
From its origins in RFC 1738 to how percent-encoding works today — everything you need to know about URL encoding in web development.
URL Encoding in JavaScript: encodeURI vs encodeURIComponent
A practical guide to the four URL encoding functions in JavaScript with real code examples showing which function to use and when.
Common URL Encoding Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Double encoding, encoding full URLs, mixing + and %20 — these subtle bugs often only appear in production. Learn how to spot and fix them.