Punycode Converter: Encode and Decode IDN Domains
Convert internationalized domain names to ASCII with our free Punycode converter. Encode and decode IDN domains instantly in your browser. Try it now.
About Punycode Converter
The Doffl Punycode Converter allows you to seamlessly translate internationalized domain names (IDNs) containing non-ASCII characters into ASCII-compatible Punycode strings, and vice versa. Designed for domain registrars, network administrators, and web developers, this tool ensures full compatibility across legacy DNS systems and web applications.
All conversions run entirely within your web browser, ensuring your queries remain private and never leave your device. With zero setup or registration required, you can quickly encode or decode domain strings without installing additional software.
Key features
- Bidirectional conversion between Unicode and Punycode formats
- Instant encoding of internationalized domain names
- Decodes xn-- prefixed ASCII strings into native Unicode
- Client-side processing ensures complete domain privacy
- One-click copy function for converted strings
- Batch processing support for multiple domain lines
How to use Punycode Converter
- Paste your Unicode domain or Punycode string into the input field.
- Select whether to encode to Punycode or decode to Unicode.
- Inspect the converted domain representation generated automatically.
- Copy the converted text to your clipboard for DNS or configuration use.
Who is it for?
- Webmasters configuring DNS records for non-ASCII domain names
- Domain investors verifying internationalized domain name registrations
- Developers debugging URL encoding and email routing systems
- Security analysts identifying homograph attacks and spoofed URLs
Frequently asked questions
What is Punycode?
Punycode is an encoding syntax defined by RFC 3492 used to translate non-ASCII characters into an ASCII-only string format prefixed with 'xn--'. This allows systems designed exclusively for ASCII, such as the Domain Name System (DNS), to understand internationalized domain names.
Why do internationalized domain names require Punycode?
The core Internet DNS infrastructure was originally built to handle only standard ASCII characters. Punycode ensures that domains with accented characters, Cyrillic, Chinese, Arabic, or other scripts can resolve correctly across legacy servers and network software.
How can I tell if a domain uses Punycode?
A Punycode domain always starts with the prefix 'xn--' followed by an encoded string of ASCII characters, such as 'xn--e1afmkfd.de' representing an internationalized domain.
Is this Punycode converter free to use?
Yes, this tool is completely free with no usage limits or account registration required.
Does this tool transmit my domain entries to a server?
No, all encoding and decoding operations occur client-side in your browser, meaning your domains and data are never sent to external servers.