Free tools
URL Encode
Free online URL encoder — paste any text and instantly get the percent-encoded output safe for use in URLs.
URL encoded result
URL Encode Online
Paste any text into the field above and click URL Encode to instantly convert it into a percent-encoded string safe for use inside URLs. Everything runs in your browser — nothing is sent to a server.
What Is URL Encoding?
URL encoding (also called percent-encoding) replaces characters that are not allowed in URLs with a % followed by their two-digit hexadecimal code. For example, a space becomes %20 and an ampersand becomes %26. This ensures the URL is interpreted correctly by browsers and servers.
Common Uses
- Encoding query string parameter values before appending them to a URL
- Safely passing special characters like
&,=, and+in GET requests - Building redirect URLs or constructing API request URLs programmatically
How to Use This Tool
- Paste your text into the input field.
- Click URL Encode.
- Copy the result with the copy button.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is URL encoding?
URL encoding (also called percent-encoding) converts special characters into a format that can be transmitted over the internet. It replaces unsafe ASCII characters with a
% followed by two hexadecimal digits. For example, a space becomes %20 or +.Which characters need to be URL encoded?
Characters that must be encoded include: spaces,
<, >, #, %, {, }, |, \, ^, ~, [, ], `, and non-ASCII characters. Alphanumeric characters (A-Z, a-z, 0-9) and some special characters like -, _, ., and ~ are safe and don't need encoding.When should I URL encode?
You need URL encoding when: building URLs with query parameters that contain special characters, encoding form data for HTTP requests, handling user input in URLs, or working with API endpoints that require encoded parameters. Without encoding, special characters could break the URL structure or be misinterpreted.
What's the difference between %20 and + for spaces?
Both represent spaces but in different contexts.
%20 is the standard percent-encoding for spaces in URLs. + is used specifically in the application/x-www-form-urlencoded format (HTML form submissions). In general URLs, %20 is preferred and more widely compatible.Can I encode an entire URL?
Be careful when encoding full URLs. You should only encode the individual components (query parameter values, path segments), not special URL characters like
:, /, ?, and & that have structural meaning. This tool encodes the input as a component value, which is the most common use case.Is this tool secure?
Yes. All encoding happens in your browser. Your text is never sent to any server. This local processing ensures any sensitive data you encode stays private.