How to URL Encode a Link and Why It Matters

URLs cannot safely contain every character as plain text. URL encoding replaces reserved characters with percent-based codes so a browser and server can interpret a link correctly.

For example, a space becomes %20. An ampersand can separate query parameters, so it must be encoded when it is part of a value.

How to URL encode text

1. Copy the URL or parameter value.
2. Open the URL Encoder and Decoder.
3. Encode text for use in a URL, or decode a percent-encoded value to inspect it.
4. Copy the result into your application or link.

When encoding is needed

Encode search terms, user-entered values, redirect parameters, and special characters placed inside a query string. Do not encode a complete URL repeatedly; double encoding can turn %20 into %2520 and break the link.

FAQ

Is URL encoding the same as encryption?

No. Encoding preserves data safely for transport; it does not hide the value.

Should I encode slashes in a URL?

Encode a slash only when it is part of a parameter value. Normal path separators should remain slashes.