Converters••4 min read
URL Encoding Complete Guide
Understand percent encoding and learn when to use encodeURI vs encodeURIComponent.
What is URL Encoding?
URL encoding (percent encoding) replaces unsafe characters with a % followed by their hex value. This ensures URLs are valid and can be transmitted safely.
Original:
hello world & goodbye
Encoded:
hello%20world%20%26%20goodbye
encodeURI vs encodeURIComponent
encodeURI
For complete URLs
Preserves: ; / ? : @ & = + $ , #
encodeURIComponent
For query parameter values
Encodes ALL special characters
Avoid Double Encoding
A common mistake is encoding an already-encoded string, turning %20 into %2520.
Always decode first if you're unsure whether input is already encoded.