# URL Encode & Decode

URL: https://tools.otaku-dojo.com/en/url-encoder-decoder
Updated: 2026-10-03

The URL Encoder & Decoder converts spaces, special characters such as &, ? and =, and non-English text into %XX percent-encoding — or turns encoded URLs back into readable text. Choose "Parameter" to encode a query value or "Full URL" to keep the URL structure intact; multi-line input is processed line by line.

## How to use the URL Encode & Decode

1. Choose "Encode" or "Decode".
2. When encoding, choose the scope: "Parameter" for a query value, "Full URL" to keep / ? & = intact.
3. Paste your content; the result appears instantly.

## Specs & key facts

- **Standard**: RFC 3986 percent-encoding, UTF-8 text
- **Scopes**: Parameter (encodeURIComponent), Full URL (encodeURI)
- **Decoding**: + treated as a space (form encoding)
- **Multi-line**: Each line processed separately
- **Processing**: In your browser (nothing is uploaded)
- **Price**: Free, no sign-up

## Examples: Encode a query parameter value

```text
cats & dogs
```

→

```text
cats%20%26%20dogs
```

## Examples: Decode an encoded URL

```text
https://example.com/search?q=caf%C3%A9%20au%20lait
```

→

```text
https://example.com/search?q=café au lait
```

## FAQ

### Why do copied URLs turn into %E5... strings?

URLs only allow a limited set of ASCII characters, so other characters are converted to UTF-8 bytes written as %XX. The address bar shows them decoded, but copying gives the encoded form.

### Should spaces be %20 or +?

Use %20 in URL paths; + is a convention for form-submitted query strings. This tool encodes spaces as %20 and decodes both.

### Why does decoding fail?

The input contains an incomplete % sequence (for example %E5%B was cut off). Make sure you copied the whole URL.