URL Decoder
What is URL Decoder
URL decoding converts a percent-encoded string back into its original readable form. Characters like %20 become spaces, %26 becomes an ampersand, and multi-byte sequences like %C3%A9 become accented letters such as é. This tool applies JavaScript's decodeURIComponent, which is the correct reverse of how query string values are typically encoded.
How to use
- Paste the percent-encoded URL or string into the input field.
- The decoded text appears instantly in the output area.
- Click Copy to copy the decoded result to your clipboard.
- Use the URL Encoder link below to encode text again.
When to use it
Staring at a query parameter like 'q=hello%20world%21%20S%C3%A3o%20Paulo' while debugging an API? Paste it here and you instantly get the original value 'hello world! São Paulo' back. Handy for reading server logs, checking what a link actually carries, or confirming an accented value survived a redirect.
Frequently asked questions
What is URL decoding?
URL decoding reverses percent-encoding by replacing each %XX sequence with the character it represents. It is the standard way to recover the original text from a URL-encoded string.
What happens if the input contains an invalid percent sequence?
The decoder shows an error message. Common causes are a lone percent sign, a % followed by non-hex characters, or a truncated multi-byte sequence. Fix the input and try again.
Does this decoder treat plus signs as spaces?
No. This tool uses decodeURIComponent, which does not convert + to a space. If you need to decode application/x-www-form-urlencoded data where + represents a space, replace + with %20 before decoding.
Can I decode a full URL with path and query string at once?
Yes. Paste the entire URL and the decoder will convert all percent-encoded sequences it finds. Note that characters like / and ? will remain as-is since they are not encoded by encodeURIComponent.
Can I share this tool with my inputs pre-filled?
Yes. The URL updates automatically as you type. Copy it from the address bar or use the Share button — anyone who opens the link will see your exact inputs ready to go.
Related tools
URL Encoder
Encode any text or URL for safe use in query strings and web addresses. Free online URL encoder using percent-encoding.
AES Text Decryption
Decrypt AES-256 encrypted text with your password in your browser. Free, private, and fully offline. No data leaves your device.
AES Text Encryption
Encrypt text with a password using AES-256 in your browser. Free, private, and fully offline. Nothing is sent to a server.