URL decoder
This URL decoder turns percent codes back into normal characters, so caf%C3%A9 becomes café. It is useful for reading links, log entries, redirects and query values that have been encoded.
- Runs in your browser
- Free, no account needed
- Copy or download the result
Result
Example
caf%C3%A9%20%26%20tea
café & tea
How to use the url decoder
- Paste the encoded value into the Encoded text or URL box.
- Choose a Decoding mode: One component, Form value, + as space, or Whole URL.
- Press Run.
- Copy result or Download the decoded text.
How it works
One component decodes every valid percent code and leaves + signs as they are.
Form value, + as space turns each + into a space before decoding.
Whole URL keeps codes for separators such as %2F, %3F, %23 and %26 encoded, so the address keeps the same structure.
A % that is not followed by two hex digits, or codes that do not form valid UTF-8, produce an error instead of a guess.
Everything runs in your browser. Your input is not uploaded or stored.
Questions and answers
Why do I get an invalid percent escape error?
Every % must be followed by two hexadecimal digits, and multi-byte codes must form valid UTF-8. A lone % or a cut-off code like %E2%82 causes the error. A real percent sign should be written as %25.
Why are plus signs not turned into spaces?
In One component mode a + is kept, because + can be a real character in a URL. Choose Form value, + as space for data sent by HTML forms.
Why did Whole URL leave some codes encoded?
Whole URL mode does not decode characters that have a special job in a URL, such as / ? # and &. That keeps the address from changing meaning.
Does the tool open the URL?
No. It only changes the text in your browser. It does not load the address, and nothing is sent anywhere.