Decode URLs online: fast, easy and free

DecodingURLs is a development tool that can also be used by marketers, students or, simply, anyone who needs to interpret URL-encoded strings. Whether it's an incomprehensible parameter, a link from an email or an API, here you can see its readable version immediately.

Our tool also allows encoding text to URL format, useful if you need to send information over the network without it breaking or generating transmission errors. Easy, fast, secure and free!

Features of our online URL decoder

• Converts URL-encoded text to normal text, and vice versa, you can also convert an encoded URL to text.
• Compatible with all browsers. Without installing anything.
• We don't store your data. Runs in temporary and local sessions whose trace disappears instantly; you don't need to register!
• 100% free and unlimited.
• Simple design and responsive interface, perfect for use from any device, whenever you want.

How to use this web link decoding tool

Decode a URL

To translate the content of a URL and discover its meaning:

1. Copy the encoded link text and paste it in the box called "Encoded URL".
2. In real time, you'll see how its readable equivalent appears in the lower box "Decoded URL".
3. Use the copy button (sticky notes) or select the text and copy with CTRL + C to use it as you need.

Encode text to URL

If what you want is to create a well-encoded valid URL:

1. Enter any text in the "Plain text" box.
2. Automatically, the corresponding encoded URL will be generated.
3. Copy the result comfortably by pressing the sticky notes button or by selecting the text and pressing CTRL + C to get it and insert it where you need it.

What is URL encoding and what is it used for?

Do you have a URL full of symbols and strange characters? URL encoding is a technique that converts special characters that are not valid for use in URLs into a format that is valid.

It's achieved with an invented language based on a percent character + letters and/or numbers. What is done is to give each of those invalid characters, like accents or spaces, a valid equivalent. Thus, these are substituted by their hexadecimal equivalents, which can be used to create links without conflict. What we do is encode characters for URL.

For example, in URL Coding language a space becomes %20 and the letter ñ becomes %C3%B1. This means that if you enter a word with "ñ" and a space in a search engine, when the search URL is generated, these two characters will not appear but will have been substituted by their counterparts in the URL decoding language. If you enter "niño guapo" in the search engine, in the URL the concept will transform to "ni%C3%B1ño%20guapo"

URL encoding and decoding can be useful for:

• Inserting parameters in links without errors.
• Sending data through web forms or GET/POST requests.
• Sharing complex links by email, social networks or messaging systems.
• Avoiding errors when working with URLs in programming or in scripts.

Although it seems cryptic, it's an essential standard for browsers and servers to correctly understand data transmitted over the network and for each culture and society to maintain their characters in their daily life, without having to learn a global language.

Don't waste more time guessing what %C3%A9 or %20 means! Lighten the task by sharing valid links! Use this free tool to read, understand and work with encoded links clearly and securely.