URL Decoder

Decode percent-encoded URLs and special characters back to their original form. Perfect for reading query parameters, debugging API requests, and analyzing encoded data.

Input
Enter the encoded URL or text to decode
Output
Decoded URL

What is URL Decoding?

URL decoding, also known as percent-decoding, is the reverse process of URL encoding. It converts percent-encoded characters back to their original form, making encoded URLs and data human-readable again.

Why Do We Need URL Decoding?

When URLs are transmitted over the internet, special characters are encoded using percent-encoding. URL decoding is essential for:

  • Reading and understanding encoded URLs
  • Processing query parameters from URLs
  • Debugging web applications and API requests
  • Converting encoded data back to its original format

Common Use Cases:

  • Decoding query parameters from URLs
  • Reading encoded form data from HTTP requests
  • Analyzing API responses with encoded data
  • Converting encoded strings to readable text

How Does It Work?

URL decoding converts percent-encoded sequences back to their original characters. Each percent-encoded character is represented by a percent sign (%) followed by two hexadecimal digits representing the character's ASCII value.

Examples:

  • %20 becomes a space character
  • %2F becomes forward slash /
  • %3F becomes question mark ?
  • %26 becomes ampersand &
  • %3D becomes equals sign =

Character Categories

Reserved Characters (when encoded)

These characters have special meaning in URIs and are often encoded: ! * ' ( ) ; : @ & = + $ , / ? # [ ]

Unreserved Characters

These characters are never encoded and don't need decoding: A-Z a-z 0-9 - _ . ~

Encoded Forms

Common percent-encoded sequences you might encounter:

  • %20 or + - Space
  • %21 - Exclamation mark !
  • %23 - Hash #
  • %24 - Dollar sign $
  • %26 - Ampersand &
  • %2F - Forward slash /
  • %3D - Equals =
  • %3F - Question mark ?

Example

Encoded: https://example.com/search?q=hello%20world&category=books

Decoded: https://example.com/search?q=hello world&category=books

The percent-encoded sequence %20 is decoded back to a space character, making the URL readable and easier to understand.