Developer Tools
URL Encoder
Encode special characters in URLs for safe transmission and query parameters.
URL Decoder
Decode percent-encoded (URL-encoded) URLs, query strings, and parameters client-side instantly. Features options to convert spaces encoded as plus signs (+), lenient error handling for malformed percent-escapes, character counters, and live output updates.
Decoding Options
Security check: All decoding happens locally in your browser. No contents are uploaded.
What is the URL Decoder?
The FreeTechLearner URL Decoder translates percent-encoded URLs and text parameters back to clear, readable strings in real time. Running completely client-side, it supports handling space delimiters, multi-byte UTF-8 character conversion, and strict/lenient decoding formats.
How to Use
- Paste your URL-encoded string into the input panel.
- Choose whether to decode plus signs (+) as spaces.
- Choose whether to enable Lenient Mode to handle malformed percent sequences without throwing errors.
- Copy the decoded text output or download it directly as a text file.
Common Use Cases
- Decoding URL query parameters for debugging APIs and integrations
- Extracting readable links from encoded redirection URLs
- Inspecting raw HTTP headers or URL payloads
- Resolving encoded Unicode/UTF-8 symbols in file names or paths
Key Benefits
- 100% private and secure browser execution
- Real-time decoding with character counters
- Selectable strict and lenient error recovery modes
- Plus sign (+) spacing conversion support
- Easy copy-to-clipboard and text file downloads
Frequently Asked Questions
What is URL decoding (percent-decoding)?
URL decoding is the process of converting percent-encoded characters (like %20 or %3A) back into their original ASCII or UTF-8 text representations. It is the direct opposite of URL encoding.
What does the "Decode + as space" option do?
In query strings and forms encoded as application/x-www-form-urlencoded, space characters are historically replaced with a plus sign (+) instead of %20. Turning this option on ensures plus signs are decoded back to spaces.
What is the difference between Strict and Lenient mode?
Strict mode throws an error when it encounters an invalid percent-escape sequence (like an isolated "%" or invalid hex characters like "%G1"). Lenient mode bypasses these errors and leaves the invalid sequence as-is, decoding only valid parts.
Is my data secure when using the URL Decoder?
Yes. All decoding operations run entirely inside your browser using client-side JavaScript. None of the text you enter or decode is sent to our servers.
Discover More Tools
Explore our full collection of free, privacy-first developer and SEO tools.
Browse All Tools