URL Decoder
Decode percent-encoded URLs back to readable format instantly
Enter encoded text to decode
Quick Examples
What is URL Decoding?
URL decoding is the process of converting percent-encoded characters back to their original form. When data is transmitted over the internet via URLs, special characters are encoded using the percent sign (%) followed by hexadecimal digits. URL decoding reverses this process to restore the original readable text.
This tool helps you decode URLs that have been encoded for safe transmission. Whether you're debugging web applications, analyzing query parameters, or simply trying to understand what an encoded URL contains, our URL decoder makes the process instant and effortless.
When Do You Need URL Decoding?
Debugging Web Applications
Decode URLs from browser address bars, server logs, or API responses to understand the actual data being transmitted
Analyzing Query Parameters
Extract and decode search queries, filter parameters, or tracking data from URLs
Reading Server Logs
Decode URLs from web server access logs to understand user requests and behavior
API Integration Testing
Decode API endpoints and parameters to verify correct encoding and data transmission
Decoding Types Explained
Standard (decodeURI)
Decodes a complete URI but preserves reserved URI characters like :, /, ?, and &. Use this when decoding a complete URL that should maintain its structure.
Component (decodeURIComponent)
Decodes a URI component by converting all percent-encoded characters back to their original form, including reserved characters. Use this when decoding query parameters, path segments, or any URI component that was encoded with encodeURIComponent.
Common Encoded Characters
| Character | Encoded | Description |
|---|---|---|
Space | %20 | Space character |
@ | %40 | At symbol |
& | %26 | Ampersand |
= | %3D | Equals sign |
? | %3F | Question mark |
/ | %2F | Forward slash |
# | %23 | Hash/pound sign |
+ | %2B | Plus sign |
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my URL won't decode?
If you get an error, the string might be malformed or not properly encoded. Make sure your input is a valid percent-encoded string. Try switching between Standard and Component decoding types, as they handle different character sets.
Is my data secure?
Yes! All decoding happens entirely in your browser using JavaScript. No data is ever sent to our servers or any third party. Your URLs and decoded content remain completely private.
Can I decode URLs multiple times?
Yes! Some URLs are double or triple encoded. After decoding once, copy the output and paste it back into the input to decode again. Repeat until you see readable text.
What's the difference between Standard and Component?
Component (decodeURIComponent) decodes everything including special characters like /, ?, and &. Standard (decodeURI) preserves these characters. Use Component for query parameters and path segments, and Standard for complete URLs.
Can I decode Unicode characters?
Absolutely! Our decoder handles all Unicode characters including emoji, Chinese, Arabic, and other international characters. Just paste the percent-encoded string and it will decode to the original characters.