Tested in November 2026. Encoding, decoding, the plus sign option, Hindi text and broken percent codes were tested.
How to encode or decode a URL
- Paste your text or link into the left box.
- Choose Encode text, Encode a full URL, or Decode.
- The result appears on the right at once. When decoding form data, turn on Treat + as a space.
- Click Copy result.
Which encode option to use
| Option | Use it for |
|---|---|
| Encode text | One value, such as a search word or a query value. It also encodes / ? & = and #. |
| Encode a full URL | A whole link. It keeps : / ? & = and # so the link still works. |
| Decode | Turning %20 style codes back into readable text. |
Tips for better results
- Use Encode text for each query value, then join the parts yourself.
- Use Encode a full URL only when the link already has its structure.
- Decode a link to see what a long tracking or redirect link contains.
Limits to know about
- Encoding a full URL twice makes % become %25 and breaks the link.
- Text with a stray % that is not followed by two hex digits cannot be decoded, and an error is shown.
- The tool does not check whether a link works.
- Hindi and other languages are encoded as UTF-8 codes, which is what browsers expect.
Privacy
Your text is converted inside your browser and is not sent to ToolsRiver.
Frequently asked questions
What is URL encoding?
It replaces characters such as spaces and symbols with a % and two hex digits so they can travel safely in a link.
What is the difference between the two encode options?
Encode text changes almost every symbol. Encode a full URL leaves the symbols that give a link its structure.
Why is a space shown as %20 or +?
Both stand for a space. %20 works everywhere. + is used in form data.
Can it decode Hindi?
Yes, when the codes are valid UTF-8.
Is it free?
Yes, with no sign-up.
About this tool
ToolsRiver URL Encoder and Decoder converts text to and from percent-encoded form for links and query strings. It runs in your browser.