Free Online Tool

URL Encoder Decoder Online

Encode and decode URLs instantly. Convert special characters, spaces, and symbols to URL-safe format. Perfect for query strings and API parameters.

Lightning Fast
100% Secure
Works Everywhere

💡 Tip: Use the URL tab in the tool below to encode/decode URLs. For other encoding needs, switch to Text, Image, or File tabs.

What do you want to encode?

💡 Tip: URL encoding converts spaces to %20, & to %26, and other special characters to percent-encoded format

Advanced Options

How to Convert Image to Base64 String: Complete Developer Guide

What is Base64 Encoding?

Base64 is a method of encoding binary data (like images or files) into ASCII text format using 64 printable characters. This encoding allows you to embed binary data directly in text-based formats like HTML, CSS, JSON, or XML.

The encoded string is approximately 33% larger than the original binary data due to the encoding overhead, but it ensures data integrity when transmitted through text-only channels.

When to Use Base64 for Images

  • Email Signatures: Embed logos directly in HTML emails to ensure they display correctly
  • CSS Background Images: Include small icons or patterns without additional HTTP requests
  • API Payloads: Send images as part of JSON data in REST APIs
  • Single File Applications: Bundle everything in one HTML file for offline use
  • Data URLs in Canvas: Draw images on HTML5 canvas elements
  • MongoDB/NoSQL Storage: Store small images directly in document databases

Step-by-Step Tutorial: Convert PNG to Base64

  1. Step 1: Click on the "Image" button in the encoder section
  2. Step 2: Drag and drop your PNG file or click to browse
  3. Step 3: Check "Add Data URI prefix" if you need the complete data URL
  4. Step 4: Click "Encode" and your Base64 string will be generated instantly
  5. Step 5: Copy the result or download it as a text file

What is URL Encoding?

URL encoding (also called percent encoding) converts characters into a format that can be transmitted over the internet. Special characters, spaces, and non-ASCII characters are replaced with a "%" followed by two hexadecimal digits.

When Do You Need URL Encoding?

  • Query parameters: Encoding search terms or filters in URLs
  • API requests: Sending data via GET parameters
  • Form submissions: application/x-www-form-urlencoded data
  • Special characters: Spaces, &, =, ?, #, and other reserved characters
  • International text: Non-ASCII characters in URLs

Common URL Encoding Examples

CharacterEncodedUse Case
Space%20 or +Most common
&%26Parameter separator
=%3DKey-value separator
?%3FQuery string start
#%23Fragment identifier

How to Use This Tool

  1. Click on the URL tab above
  2. Paste your URL or text that needs encoding/decoding
  3. Choose "Encode" or "Decode" mode
  4. Copy the result with one click

Why Use URL Encoding?

URLs can only contain certain characters from the ASCII character set. Reserved characters like &, =, ?, and # have special meanings in URLs. If you want to use these characters as data (not as URL syntax), you must encode them.

Related Tools

Base64 EncoderJSON FormatterRegex Tester

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between URL encoding and Base64?

URL encoding replaces unsafe characters with % codes, while Base64 converts binary data to ASCII text. Use URL encoding for query parameters, Base64 for embedding binary data in text formats.

Is space encoded as %20 or +?

Both are valid! %20 is used in URL paths, while + is used in query strings (application/x-www-form-urlencoded). Modern practice prefers %20 everywhere.

Is URL encoding reversible?

Yes, URL encoding is completely reversible. Decoded URLs will return to their original format.