What is the difference between encodeURI and encodeURIComponent?

encodeURI encodes characters for a full URL while preserving protocol and path separators (:, /, ?, #). encodeURIComponent encodes every special character, making it safe for query string parameters.

Why do spaces sometimes encode as '+' instead of '%20'?

In application/x-www-form-urlencoded form data, spaces are traditionally encoded as '+'. In standard RFC 3986 URL paths and query strings, spaces are represented as '%20'.

Can I decode entire URL strings with query parameters?

Yes. Paste any complex URL containing encoded query parameters to view the fully decoded, readable text instantly.

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Developer Tools

URL Encoder / Decoder

Encode or decode URL strings safely.

Instant Results100% Client-Side Privacy100% Free Utility

URL Encoder & Decoder

Percent-encode query parameters, decode complex URLs, and instantly inspect query string parameters with detailed breakdown tables.

Sample Presets:

Encoding Standard

encodeURIComponent (Standard)

Encodes all delimiters (&, ?, =, /, #). Best for query parameter values.

encodeURI (Full URL)

Preserves URL structure (https://, path slashes, ?, #). Encodes spaces and unicode.

RFC 3986 Strict

Strict percent-encoding additionally encoding ! ' ( ) * for OAuth & API compliance.

URL or Text to Encode

Input Length

86 chars

Output Length

116 chars

Percent-Encodings

15 sequences

Encoded Output

https%3A%2F%2Fexample.com%2Fsearch%3Fquery%3Dsmart%20tools%20%26%20AI%26category%3Ddev%26sort%3Dprice_desc%23results

Parsed Query Parameters (4)

Decoded keys & values

Parameter Key	Parameter Value	Action
query	smart tools
AI	(empty)
category	dev
sort	price_desc

About URL Encoder / Decoder

Encode text and query parameters into standard percent-encoded URL formats (RFC 3986) or decode percent-encoded strings back to human-readable text in real time.

Why Choose Our URL Encoder/Decoder

Feature	Smart Toolverse	Others
RFC 3986 Standard	Complies with encodeURI and encodeURIComponent standards	Inconsistent character escaping
Bi-directional Mode	Instantly toggle between Encode and Decode with 1 click	Separate pages
Live Output	Updates in real time as you type or paste URL strings	Requires manual form submit
Client-Side Processing	100% Private local encoding without server logging	Sends URLs to remote server logs

Common Uses & Applications

Encode special characters in URL query strings, parse webhook parameters, format UTM tracking links, debug OAuth callback URLs, and decode percent-encoded API responses.

Frequently Asked Questions

URL encoding converts reserved characters (such as spaces, ampersands, and slashes) into a percent sign followed by two hexadecimal digits (%20 for space, %26 for &, %2F for /) so they can be safely transmitted over the Internet.