URL Encoder & Decoder
Safely encode or decode URLs and URI components online. Instantly parse complex query strings into readable data tables directly in your browser.
What is a URL Encoder?
A URL encoder online is a utility that converts special characters in a text string into a format that can be safely transmitted over the Internet within a Uniform Resource Locator (URL). URLs can only be sent across the internet using the ASCII character set. Any characters outside this set (like spaces, emojis, or specific punctuation) must be converted into a valid ASCII format, typically by replacing the unsafe character with a `%` followed by two hexadecimal digits.
This process is also known as Percent-encoding. Our tool allows you to instantly safely encode your payloads for network transport, or decode heavily encoded URLs back into readable formats to see exactly what parameters are being passed.
How to use the URL Encoder & Decoder
- Input: Paste your URL or text payload into the primary text box.
- Select Mode: Choose between "Encode" (to convert text into URL-safe characters) or "Decode" (to revert `%` hex codes back to normal text).
- Select Sub-Mode:
- Component (`encodeURIComponent`): Use this when encoding individual query string values. It encodes almost everything, including `/`, `?`, and `&`.
- Full URI (`encodeURI`): Use this when encoding a complete URL string. It leaves syntax characters like `http://` and `?=` alone.
- Review Results: The tool processes your text instantly as you type. If your input represents a valid full URL or query string, the tool will automatically parse the components into a detailed, readable data table below the raw output.
Features of this Tool
- ✓ 100% client-side — your URLs and query parameters are never logged on our servers.
- ✓ No sign-up or account required.
- ✓ Live Execution: Results update instantly on every keystroke.
- ✓ Smart Parsing: Automatically detects full URLs and breaks them down into Protocol, Host, Path, and specific Query Parameters in an easy-to-read table.
- ✓ Query String Extraction: Paste a complex `?key=value` string and instantly see it formatted as a clean, syntax-highlighted dictionary.
- ✓ Safely handles the decoding of `+` symbols as spaces (a common legacy form encoding standard).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between encodeURI and encodeURIComponent?
In JavaScript, `encodeURI()` is used to encode a completely formed URL, meaning it does not touch characters that have special meaning in a URL structure (like `://`, `?`, `&`, or `=`).
`encodeURIComponent()` is used to encode a specific *piece* of a URL, like a query string parameter value. It encodes almost everything. If you encode `https://google.com` with it, it becomes `https%3A%2F%2Fgoogle.com`, which breaks the URL.
Why are spaces converted to %20?
URLs cannot contain spaces. The ASCII standard dictates that a space must be percent-encoded to its hexadecimal equivalent, which is `20`. Therefore, a space becomes `%20`.
Is this safe for sensitive API tokens?
Yes. ZeroTools operates entirely offline within your browser's local memory. The JavaScript processing logic never phones home or transmits your data to an external API. It is safe to use for sensitive tokens, API keys, or private URLs.