URL Decoder
Easily decode percent-encoded URLs into their original readable format with our free online URL Decoder. Perfect for developers, SEO specialists, and anyone working with URLs.
URL Decoder
🌐 What Is a URL Decoder?
A URL Decoder is a simple tool that transforms encoded URLs (also known as percent-encoded URLs) back into their original, human-readable form.
Example:
Encoded URL:
https%3A%2F%2Fexample.com%2Fsearch%3Fquery%3Dhello%2520world
Decoded Output:
https://example.com/search?query=hello%20world
If decoded twice, it becomes: https://example.com/search?query=hello world
💡 Why Use a URL Decoder?
Encoded URLs are great for machines, but often difficult for humans to read. A decoder helps:
- 🧾 Understand what data is being passed
- 🔧 Debug query strings in APIs or redirects
- 🌍 View non-English characters
- 🔍 Analyze logs or encoded user input
- 📊 Audit links in analytics or marketing tools
🛠️ How the URL Decoder Works
- Paste any encoded URL or string into the tool’s input box.
- Click “Decode”.
- Instantly view the decoded output.
- Optionally, decode twice if you suspect nested encoding.
🔄 Single vs. Double Encoding
Sometimes a URL gets encoded more than once, especially when passed between multiple layers (like in redirects or embedded forms).
Example:
Original:
https://example.com/?name=Ali Khan
1st Encoding:
https%3A%2F%2Fexample.com%2F%3Fname%3DAli%20Khan
2nd Encoding:
https%253A%252F%252Fexample.com%252F%253Fname%253DAli%2520Khan
The decoder can help you undo each layer.
🧠 Common Encoded Characters Decoded
EncodedCharacter%20 | space
%21 | !
%23 | #
%2F | /
%3A | :
%3F | ?
%3D | =
%26 | &
👨💻 Use Cases
- Developers: Reverse-engineer API calls or debug URL strings.
- Marketers: Understand where campaign links redirect.
- SEO experts: Check link structure for indexability.
- Students: Learn about URL encoding/decoding mechanisms.
📸 Suggested Images
- Screenshot of user pasting encoded URL and clicking “Decode”.
- Visual chart showing percent-encoded values with decoded equivalents.
- Workflow showing double decoding (before and after).
- Example from browser address bar vs. decoded output.
🚀 Key Features
- ✔️ Instant decoding
- ✔️ Support for nested/double encoding
- ✔️ Works on all devices
- ✔️ Secure and private (no data stored)
- ✔️ UTF-8 compatibility
🔐 Privacy Notice
All decoding is performed securely in real-time. We do not collect or store any input data. You are safe using this tool.
🧠 FAQ
Q: What happens if I decode a non-encoded URL?
A: It remains unchanged.
Q: Can I decode twice?
A: Yes, if the URL has been double-encoded, decode again to get the true original form.
Q: Does it support non-English characters?
A: Yes, including Arabic, Chinese, Cyrillic, etc.
📈 SEO Tips
- Use heading: Free Online URL Decoder Tool
- Add alt text to images: “URL decoding example”
- Link to encoder tool, unshortener, and IP tools
- Use schema.org markup if tool is indexable
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