URL Decoder
Decode percent-encoded URL strings back to readable text. Converts %XX sequences to original characters for debugging and data inspection.
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What is URL Decoder?
The URL Decoder converts percent-encoded strings back to their original readable form. It reverses URL encoding by replacing each %XX sequence with the character it represents. The tool uses decodeURIComponent() and validates the input before decoding. All processing happens in the browser.
This tool takes a percent-encoded string and converts every %XX sequence back to its corresponding character using UTF-8 decoding. It validates the input to ensure the encoding is well-formed and reports errors for invalid sequences.
Key Features
- Decodes percent-encoded strings to readable text
- Uses decodeURIComponent for accurate decoding
- Handles all Unicode characters
- Validates input and reports encoding errors
- Quick preset examples
- Copy decoded output to clipboard
- Shows character count before and after
- Runs in the browser with no uploads
Common Use Cases
Reading encoded URLs
Decode a percent-encoded URL to see the original readable text.
Debugging API responses
Decode encoded values in API responses or server logs to inspect the original data.
Processing encoded form data
Decode form submission data that arrives in percent-encoded format.
Inspecting redirect URLs
Decode complex redirect URLs with encoded parameters to understand the final destination.
How to Use This Tool
Enter the encoded text
Paste the percent-encoded string you want to decode.
Decode
Click Decode. The tool converts %XX sequences back to characters.
Copy the result
Copy the decoded text for use in your application.
Pro Tips
- 1
%20 decodes to a space character.
- 2
%26 decodes to an ampersand (&).
- 3
%3D decodes to an equals sign (=).
- 4
If decoding fails, check that the input uses valid percent encoding.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is URL decoding?
URL decoding (percent decoding) reverses URL encoding by converting each %XX sequence back to its original character. For example, %20 becomes a space and %26 becomes an ampersand.
When should I decode a URL?
Decode URLs when you need to read or display the original text. This is useful for debugging, processing form data, or inspecting encoded API responses.
Is my text sent to a server?
No. All decoding happens in your browser using JavaScript's decodeURIComponent() function. Nothing is transmitted.
What if the input is not valid percent encoding?
The tool validates the input and shows an error message if the encoding is malformed. Valid percent encoding uses % followed by exactly two hexadecimal digits.
Can I encode the result back?
Yes. Use a URL encoder to reverse the process and get back the percent-encoded string.