A web address contains structural characters such as slashes, question marks and ampersands. A value placed inside a query parameter may contain those same characters as ordinary text. Component encoding represents the value so its characters are not accidentally interpreted as the address structure.
Use the U18-CHAN Url Encoder alongside this guide.
Encode the component
The URL Encoder applies component encoding to the text you enter. For example, a value containing an ampersand needs encoding before it is inserted into a query parameter. Encode the value once and then build the complete URL with the proper separators, or use a URL-building API in your application.
Avoid encoding an entire address blindly
This tool encodes a component, so it will encode colons and slashes in a complete address too. If you simply want to open a URL, that is usually not the transformation you need. Identify whether the receiving system expects a raw address, a parameter value or an already encoded string before changing it.
Decode using the matching convention
The URL Decoder reverses percent encoding. Some form encodings represent spaces with plus signs, whereas ordinary component decoding preserves a literal plus. Use the optional plus-as-space setting only when the source format uses that convention. Malformed percent sequences or invalid UTF-8 cannot be decoded cleanly.
Treat encoded text as visible information
Percent encoding does not make a value secret. Search queries, access tokens and personal information placed into an address may be recorded by the systems that receive it. The built-in tool does not navigate to the content you enter, but your later application decides how the generated value is transmitted.
A simple finishing check
Keep the original input, inspect the result and confirm that it fits the destination where you plan to use it. If a result looks unexpected, try a small harmless example and read the limitations on the tool page before proceeding.
Browse all free U18-CHAN tools to continue, or report a problem with a clear description of the tool and browser.