URL encoder and decoder, with query breakdown
Encode a query value so spaces and ampersands do not change the URL’s structure, or decode percent-escapes to read the text. A URL breakdown appears when the input or decoded result can be parsed as an address.
Runs in your browser — your input is not uploaded to ToolsNow.
Escapes separators such as / ? & = — for a single query value.
How to use
- Choose Encode or Decode. Paste the query value or address you want to inspect.
- Set Scope. Use Component (a single parameter) for a value such as "tea & cake". Use Full URL (keep the structure) when the slashes, question mark and other URL separators should stay in place.
- Check the result. If URL breakdown appears, review the Host, Path and Query fields before copying. The tool parses an address; it does not visit it.
Questions
How do I encode a search query containing &?
Encode just the value in Component scope. "tea & cake" becomes tea%20%26%20cake, so you can use it after ?q=. Full URL uses encodeURI and leaves & untouched; it cannot tell a separator from an ampersand you intended as data.
Why does + become a space?
Component decoding treats + as a space, following form-query conventions. To represent a literal plus, encode it as %2B. Full URL decoding leaves + alone and also preserves escapes for reserved URL separators, such as %2F.
Can I encode an entire URL as a parameter value?
Yes, if one URL is being passed inside another, such as a redirect parameter. Use Component for that nested value. For an address you intend to open directly, encode its individual values rather than treating the whole address as one component.
Why do I get a percent-escape error?
Decoding fails on malformed escapes such as %ZZ and on byte sequences that are not valid UTF-8. Check for a truncated copy. Double-encoded text is different: %2520 decodes once to %20, so it may need another deliberate decoding step.
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