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What are URL encoding and decoding?

Encoding converts Unicode text, spaces, and special characters into percent-encoded values that are safe to use in a URL. Decoding restores those values to readable text. Use this tool for search terms or query parameter values, not a complete URL.

Conversion Example

Encode: Seoul restaurants Seoul%20restaurants

Decode: Seoul%20restaurants Seoul restaurants

Use in a URL: https://example.com/search?q=Seoul%20restaurants

Encode components, not an assembled URL

Percent-encoding protects characters inside one URL component, such as a search term or query value. Encoding an entire URL also changes structural characters such as the colon, slashes, question mark, and ampersands.

Percent encoding and plus signs

URI component encoding represents a space as %20. HTML form encoding often uses a plus sign for a space, but this decoder follows URI component rules and therefore leaves a literal plus sign unchanged.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I enter a complete URL?

Encoding a complete URL also converts its colon and slashes. Use this tool for individual values such as search terms or query parameter values.

Does decoding convert plus signs to spaces?

No. This tool follows URI component rules, so a plus sign remains a plus sign.

Is URL component text sent to Utilook?

No. Conversion runs only in your current browser, and the input and result are not stored.