What Is a URL Decoder?

A URL decoder converts percent-encoded URL components, query values, and encoded text back into readable characters. It reverses percent-encoding: each valid %XX sequence is read as a byte value, the bytes are combined, and the result is interpreted as UTF-8 text. Because non-ASCII characters are encoded as multiple UTF-8 bytes, a single character may require several percent-encoded sequences. This tool uses the browser's native decodeURIComponent() function and is intended for inspection and debugging rather than structured parsing of complete URLs.

Note the distinction: decodeURIComponent() decodes an individual encoded component and will also decode characters that have structural meaning in a full URL, such as %2F becoming /. For a complete URL like https://example.com/a%2Fb?next=%2Fhome, the decoded result is easier to read but may not be suitable for reuse as a working URL without care.

How to use it

1. Paste a percent-encoded URL component, query value, or text string into the Encoded Input field.
2. Click "Decode" to process one layer of percent-encoding. Note that a literal + is preserved as-is; only %20 becomes a space.
3. Review the readable result in the Decoded Output area.
4. If "Invalid encoded string" appears, check the input for incomplete percent sequences or invalid UTF-8 bytes, then correct and retry.

Why use this over alternatives

This utility decodes valid percent-encoded text locally in your browser using client-side JavaScript. The entered content is not intentionally sent to our servers, and no account is required. It provides a quick way to inspect encoded URL components, query values, redirect parameters, and log data. Note that decoding only reveals hidden characters — it does not verify that a link is safe, so do not open unfamiliar URLs without proper security checks.