Easily Decode Any URL String

Our URL Decode tool is a simple yet powerful utility designed to reverse URL encoding, also known as percent-encoding. URLs often contain confusing sequences like %20, %3F, or %26. These are encoded representations of special characters (like a space, question mark, or ampersand) that are not normally allowed in a URL. This tool effortlessly translates them back into their original, human-readable form.

For developers, marketers, and data analysts, decoding URLs is a common task. Whether you're analyzing query parameters from web analytics, debugging API calls, or simply trying to read a complex link, our decoder provides a fast and reliable solution. The entire process is secure and private, as all decoding is performed directly in your browser.

How to Use the URL Decode Tool

1. Paste Your URL: Copy the full or partial URL string that you want to decode and paste it into the input field.
2. Click Decode: Press the "Decode" button to instantly process the string.
3. View and Copy: The decoded, readable text will appear in the output box, ready for you to copy and use.

Frequently Asked Questions About URL Decode

What is URL decoding?

URL decoding, also known as percent-decoding, is the process of converting a URL string from its encoded format back to its original, readable form. It translates percent-encoded character sequences (e.g., %20, %3F) back into their corresponding special characters (a space, a question mark).

How do I decode a URL?

Using our URL Decode tool is the simplest way. Paste the encoded URL or text string into the input field, click the 'Decode' button, and the tool will instantly display the human-readable version in the output box. You can then copy the result with one click.

What is an example of URL decoding?

An example of URL decoding is converting the string 'https://example.com/search?q=hello%20world'. When decoded, this string becomes 'https://example.com/search?q=hello world'. The '%20' sequence is translated back into a space character.

Why is %20 used in URLs?

%20 is the percent-encoding for a space character. URLs can only be transmitted over the internet using a limited set of ASCII characters. Since spaces are not allowed in URLs, they must be encoded as '%20' to ensure the URL remains valid and is interpreted correctly by web servers and browsers.

Is URL decoding the same as Base64 decoding?

No, they are different. URL decoding reverses percent-encoding, which is designed to make text safe for URLs. Base64 decoding reverses Base64 encoding, a method used to represent binary data in an ASCII string format, often for transmitting data in email attachments or APIs. The two encoding schemes solve different problems and are not compatible.