CodeItBro

URL Decoder

Decode URL-encoded strings or encode text for safe URL transmission. Fast, free, and privacy-first.

Decoded text will appear here

Common URL Encodings

%20 → Space
%26 → &
%3D → =
%3F → ?
%2F → /
%23 → #

Decode & Encode URLs Instantly

URL encoding ensures special characters are safely transmitted in web addresses. Our tool instantly decodes percent-encoded strings back to readable text, or encodes plain text for safe URL usage. Perfect for debugging query parameters, APIs, and web development.

URL Processing

Why Use This Tool?

Real-Time Conversion

See results instantly as you type. No need to click buttons or wait for processing.

Bidirectional

Switch between decode and encode modes with one click. Swap input and output seamlessly.

100% Private

All processing happens in your browser. Your data never leaves your device.

Developer Friendly

Perfect for debugging query strings, API parameters, and encoded URLs in web development.

How this URL Decoder works

This URL decoder and encoder processes percent-encoded strings using JavaScript's native decodeURIComponent and encodeURIComponent functions. URL encoding converts special characters like spaces, ampersands, and equals signs into percent-encoded equivalents (%20, %26, %3D) to ensure safe transmission in web addresses and HTTP protocols.

The decoder handles all standard percent-encoded sequences including UTF-8 multi-byte characters, plus signs as spaces (common in query strings), and nested encoding scenarios. Real-time processing provides instant feedback as you type, eliminating the need for manual button clicks. The bidirectional mode switching allows you to swap between decoding and encoding with one click, automatically transferring the output to input for reverse operations.

All processing occurs entirely in your browser using JavaScript's built-in URL handling functions. No data is transmitted to any server, making this tool safe for decoding sensitive URLs containing authentication tokens, API keys, or personal information. The tool is particularly useful for debugging query parameters, analyzing tracking URLs, or preparing text for URL embedding.

How to Use

1

Choose Mode

Select decode to convert URL-encoded text, or encode to URL-encode plain text.

2

Enter Text

Paste your URL-encoded string or plain text into the input field.

3

Get Result

Copy the decoded or encoded result instantly.

Example Usage

Decoding a URL-encoded greeting:

Input
Hello%20World%21
Output
Hello World!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is URL encoding?
URL encoding converts special characters into a format that can be safely transmitted over the internet using percent-encoding (e.g., space becomes %20).
Why do I need to decode URLs?
URL-encoded strings can be hard to read. Decoding reveals the original text, making it easier to understand query parameters, paths, and special characters.
Is my data safe?
Yes, all processing happens entirely in your browser. No data is sent to any server.
What characters get encoded?
Non-ASCII characters and reserved characters like spaces, &, =, ?, #, /, and others are encoded to their percent-encoded equivalents.

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The URL Decoder is maintained by CodeItBro. We aim to provide the best free developer tools on the web. If you have feedback or suggestions, please visit our contact page.