Decode from URL

To decode the url, please type or paste the info below and click on Decode.

URL decoding is the opposite way of encoding which we explained here. It simply converts all the “%” + two ASCII characters back to their original form. After decoding the URL and safely transferring over the web, you need to convert it back to its original state.

As an examples:

  • "%2F" is decoded to a slash ('/')
  • "%2B" is decoded as a plus
  • "%20" is decoded to a space (' ').

As we mentioned before, modern browsers do this job automatically. However, in some specific cases like programming, you might need to encode and decode the URL.

Here is an example of it:

Encoded URL:

https://example.com/search?q=green%20apples&category=fruits&price=2.99

Decoded URL:

https://example.com/search?q=green apples&category=fruits&price=2.99

While decoding the URL, you should also select the character set. Default is UTF8.

When and Why You Might Need URL Decoding

Most of the modern web browsers can handle the encoding and decoding as we mentioned above. However, there are situations that you need to do the decoding, and it is necessary. For example, if you work with data that has URL parameters, you need to decode those URLs for better readability and for functioning correctly.

Decoding is particularly helpful in these scenarios:

  • Debugging Links and URLs: If a URL is now working as expected, decoding can explain and show any hidden character causing the issue.
  • Analysing Web Data: Data analysts and testers often need decoding to check the data in log files and in analytics tools.
  • Processing API Responses: Most of the API calls return encoded data, this means decoding is necessary in order to do correct data handling and integration into applications.

Additional Tips for URL Decoding

  • Double-check URLs in Error Logs: Decoding helps when URLs in the server logs and reveals the actual path or query so that it helps with troubleshooting.
  • Decode Only What’s Needed: it is often helps to focus the small part of the problem, so decode the specific part of the URL or Query to keep your process solid.
  • Verify Encoded Characters: Some of the characters looks like needed to be decoded but not necessarily in same cases in the context, it needs to stay encoded like = or &.

Our URL Decoder tool provides a quick and free way to convert encoded URLs back to their readable way by decoding them. Try our free tool and bookmark us for quick access.