URL encoding to file decoder

Turn percent-encoded text, such as caf%C3%A9%20%26%20tea, back into the original. The result can be downloaded as a file, and text is shown in a preview.

How it works

  1. Paste the text

    Paste the URL-codering text, or choose a .txt file that contains it.

  2. Checked instantly

    You see at once whether the text is valid and what kind of file is in it.

  3. Download the file

    The file automatically gets the right extension.

What it does

Every %XX code becomes the byte it stands for. Other characters are kept as they are. A % that isn't followed by two hexadecimal digits is reported with its position.

Plus signs

In form data, + stands for a space. In the rest of a web address it is a real plus. Tick + means a space for form data and leave it off for everything else.

Private by design

Decoding happens in your browser; nothing is sent anywhere.

Frequently asked questions

Is the URL encoding to file free?

Yes. The URL encoding to file is completely free, with no account, sign-up or usage limit.

How do I know what kind of file comes out?

The tool looks at the first bytes of the result and recognises images, PDFs, ZIP files, audio and text, among other things. The file automatically gets the right extension, and images and text are shown straight away.

Is my text uploaded?

No. The decoding happens in your browser; nothing leaves your device.