URL Encoder

Encode & Decode URLs

URL Encoding Reference

Common Encoded Characters

Character URL Encoded Description
(space) %20 or + Space character
! %21 Exclamation mark
# %23 Hash (fragment identifier)
$ %24 Dollar sign
& %26 Ampersand (parameter separator)
' %27 Single quote
( %28 Opening parenthesis
) %29 Closing parenthesis
* %2A Asterisk
+ %2B Plus sign
, %2C Comma
/ %2F Forward slash (path separator)
: %3A Colon (scheme/host separator)
= %3D Equals sign (assignment)
? %3F Question mark (query string)
@ %40 At sign (email)
[ %5B Opening square bracket
] %5D Closing square bracket

About URL Encoder

A URL Encoder is a tool used to convert special characters in URLs into a format that can be safely transmitted over the internet. URLs often contain characters that have special meanings, such as spaces, ampersands, and slashes. Encoding ensures that these characters are correctly interpreted by browsers and servers, preventing broken links and incorrect data processing.

Developers, digital marketers, and API users frequently rely on URL encoding to prepare data for web requests, avoid errors in query strings, and maintain URL integrity. Without encoding, URLs can break or misinterpret characters, leading to unintended behavior.

Core Capabilities

  • Character Encoding: Converts special characters into percent-encoded format (e.g., space → %20).
  • Secure Data Transmission: Ensures URLs remain intact when sent via email, forms, or APIs.
  • Query String Handling: Encodes values in query parameters to prevent misinterpretation.
  • Instant Conversion: Provides real-time encoding without requiring manual adjustments.
  • Cross-Platform Compatibility: Works in web browsers and mobile devices without additional software.

Common Use Cases

Encoding URLs for Web Applications

Web applications use URL encoding to ensure links remain functional when containing special characters, such as spaces and symbols.

Example
Input:
https://example.com/search?q=C++ programming

Encoded URL: https://example.com/search?q=C%2B%2B%20programming

Preparing Query Parameters for API Requests

APIs require properly formatted query strings to process requests accurately. Encoding prevents errors caused by special characters.

Example
Input:
https://api.example.com/data?name=John Doe&city=New York

Encoded URL: https://api.example.com/data?name=John%20Doe&city=New%20York

Avoiding Issues in Form Submissions

Forms that send data via URLs need encoding to prevent misinterpretation of user input, especially with special characters.

Example
Input:
[email protected]

Encoded Output: user%40example.com

Troubleshooting & Best Practices

Encode Only When Necessary

Some characters do not require encoding. Over-encoding can lead to unreadable URLs.

Use UTF-8 Encoding

Ensure URLs support UTF-8 characters, especially for international content.

Check for Double Encoding

Encoding an already encoded URL can cause errors (%2520 instead of %20).

Test API Requests

Before sending encoded URLs in APIs, verify their correctness with test requests.