URL Decoder
Unescape percent-encoded URLs and query strings locally in your browser. Free URL decoder online, no upload, no account. Handles plus signs, Unicode, and form data.
Runs locally in your browser. Your input is not uploaded to DevToolMate servers.
Plus signs
Application/x-www-form-urlencoded plus signs are treated as spaces.
Developer Quick Tips
- Paste percent-encoded query strings like %3D (=) and %26 (&) to recover original form parameters instantly.
- Plus signs (+) decode as spaces in form-urlencoded data; use %2B for literal plus. Ctrl/Cmd+Enter to decode.
- Malformed sequences like %ZZ or %1 return clear errors. Fix and retry, all processing stays in your browser.
- Roundtrip test: encode with URL Encoder, then decode here to validate query string workflows end-to-end.
- Copy entire query strings from address bars; URL Decoder handles Unicode like café and special characters automatically.
Frequently asked questions
How do I unescape a percent-encoded query string?
Paste the encoded query string (e.g., name%3DJohn%26age%3D30) into URL Decoder. It reverses %XX sequences to recover original parameters. Plus signs (+) decode as spaces in form-urlencoded data.
What is the difference between URL encoding and decoding?
URL encoding converts special characters to percent form (%20 for space, %3D for =). Decoding reverses this; URL Decoder converts %XX back to original characters. Use URL Encoder for the reverse process.
How does URL Decoder handle plus signs in form data?
Plus signs (+) in application/x-www-form-urlencoded data decode as spaces, matching standard HTML form submission. For a literal plus, encode it as %2B in the input.
What happens if my percent-encoding is malformed?
If a % is not followed by two valid hex digits (0-9, A-F), URL Decoder reports an error. For example, %ZZ or %1 will fail. Correct the sequence and try again.
Does URL Decoder upload my data to a server?
No. URL Decoder runs entirely in your browser using decodeURIComponent. Your input is never uploaded to DevToolMate or any external server.
Is URL Decoder free and do I need an account?
Yes, URL Decoder is completely free with no account required. Processing runs locally on your device with no sign-up.
Will my decoded strings be saved after I close the tab?
No. Input stays in memory only for the current browser session. Closing the tab clears all tool input. Nothing persists on our servers.
Related tools
- URL Encoder: Escape string online and percent-encode query parameters with URL Encoder. Encode reserved characters safely in your browser, no upload needed.