IDN Punnycode converter

Free IDN Punycode Converter Tool

The IDN Punycode Converter instantly converts internationalized domain names (Unicode) to ASCII Punycode and back. It ensures domains with non-Latin characters work across DNS, SSL, and browsers. Use it when registering IDNs, configuring DNS/servers, validating certificates, or decoding xn-- domains for security and SEO clarity.

What is IDN Punycode Converter?

The IDN Punycode Converter is a specialized utility that translates internationalized domain names (IDNs) containing non-ASCII characters (like ä, 中文, or عربى) into their ASCII-compatible encoding (ACE), called Punycode, and vice versa. Punycode uses the xn-- prefix so domain names can be processed by DNS infrastructure that only supports ASCII.

On Monkey Type, this tool provides accurate, reversible conversion between Unicode and Punycode according to IDNA standards. Paste a Unicode domain such as bücher.de and receive xn--bcher-kva.de, or decode an xn-- label back to human-readable text. It’s essential for domain registration, DNS records, SSL issuance, and URL sharing.

If you need to validate that a converted domain resolves correctly, pair this tool with the DNS Lookup tool to check A, AAAA, and CNAME records after conversion.

Why Use IDN Punycode Converter?

• Ensure DNS compatibility: DNS only supports ASCII. Convert Unicode domains to Punycode so your records, nameservers, and web servers recognize the domain. Then verify resolution with DNS Lookup.
• Register IDN safely: Registrars typically require the Punycode form. Generate the correct xn-- label to avoid failed registrations or mismatched WHOIS entries. You can confirm ownership details afterward with WHOIS Lookup.
• Issue and renew SSL/TLS certificates: Certificate requests often rely on the ASCII form. Use the converter to ensure the Common Name (CN) and SAN fields match the Punycode domain, then validate the chain using the SSL Checker.
• Prevent misconfiguration: Copying Unicode directly into server configs can break virtual hosts. Convert to Punycode first for Apache, Nginx, CDN, or reverse proxies.
• Audit and security review: Decode suspicious xn-- domains to see the real Unicode text and reduce homograph risks when reviewing links, logs, or redirects.

How to Use IDN Punycode Converter on Monkey Type

1. Open the tool: Go to the IDN Punycode Converter on Monkey Type.
2. Select direction: Choose “Unicode to Punycode” to encode, or “Punycode to Unicode” to decode.
3. Enter your domain: Type or paste a domain or label (e.g., bücher.de or xn--bcher-kva.de). Avoid including protocols like http:// or paths.
4. Convert: Click Convert. The tool will output the transformed domain instantly.
5. Copy and apply: Use the copy button and paste the result into your registrar, DNS zone, server config, or certificate request.
6. Verify resolution (optional): Test that the converted domain resolves using DNS Lookup or confirm domain details with WHOIS Lookup.

Expected result: Unicode entries return xn-- prefixed ASCII labels (e.g., bücher.de → xn--bcher-kva.de). Punycode entries return readable Unicode. The conversion is lossless when the domain is valid per IDNA rules.

Key Features

• Bidirectional conversion: Encode Unicode to Punycode and decode Punycode to Unicode with instant results.
• Standards-aware: Built around IDNA specifications so outputs are DNS-ready and consistent with registrar expectations.
• Multi-label support: Converts each label across an entire domain (subdomains and TLDs) correctly.
• Validation and normalization: Detects invalid characters and normalizes Unicode to prevent subtle mismatches.
• Copy-friendly output: One-click copy to use in DNS, server configs, or SSL tooling; test records via DNS Lookup.
• Bulk-friendly workflow: Paste multiple domains line-by-line for faster admin tasks (when supported).

Best Practices & Tips

• Convert labels, not full URLs: Only domains should be converted. Remove protocol (https://), paths, query strings, and ports before using the IDN Punycode Converter. For URL components, use the URL Encoder/Decoder tool instead.
• Keep consistent casing: Domain names are case-insensitive, but stick to lowercase to avoid confusion in logs and configs.
• Watch for homographs: Different scripts can look similar (e.g., Latin “a” vs Cyrillic “а”). Decode and review the Unicode output before trusting links.
• Validate after changes: After converting and applying to DNS, verify propagation with DNS Lookup and check certificates with the SSL Checker.
• Understand label limits: Each label (between dots) must meet length and character rules. If conversion fails, examine individual labels.
• Use Punycode in configs: Web servers, CDNs, and email systems typically require the ASCII Punycode form for reliable operation.

Common Use Cases

• Domain registration: Convert Unicode brand names to Punycode before submitting to your registrar; confirm registration details with WHOIS Lookup.
• DNS setup: Add A/AAAA/CNAME records using the xn-- form generated by the IDN Punycode Converter; validate them with DNS Lookup.
• SSL/TLS issuance: Ensure the Punycode domain is used in CSR SANs; then audit the deployment using the SSL Checker.
• Server configuration: Configure Apache/Nginx server_name or virtual hosts with Punycode to avoid mismatches.
• Security review: Decode xn-- domains found in logs or emails to inspect the actual Unicode characters and identify potential spoofing.
• SEO and link sharing: Use the IDN Punycode Converter to generate clean, compatible domains for sitemaps, redirects, and canonical tags.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Punycode and why do I need it?

Punycode is an ASCII-compatible encoding used to represent internationalized domain names. DNS only supports ASCII, so the IDN Punycode Converter transforms Unicode domains into xn-- prefixed labels that DNS and browsers can handle, and decodes them back for readability.

Can I convert a full URL with paths or query parameters?

No. Convert only the domain portion (and its labels). Remove protocols (http/https), paths, ports, and query strings. For encoding URL parameters safely, use the URL Encoder/Decoder on Monkey Type.

Does this work for email addresses?

It works for the domain part of an email address (after the @). The local part (before @) follows different rules (EAI). Convert the domain to Punycode for reliable routing, then test MX records with the MX Lookup tool.

Is the conversion reversible and standards-compliant?

Yes. The IDN Punycode Converter on Monkey Type performs standards-aware, reversible transformations. If a label is valid under IDNA rules, decoding returns the original Unicode text exactly.

How do I verify that the converted domain works?

After you convert, add or update your DNS entries and check resolution with DNS Lookup. If you deploy HTTPS, validate the certificate chain and hostname match using the SSL Checker.

Use the IDN Punycode Converter on Monkey Type whenever you handle internationalized domains. It keeps your registrations, DNS, and SSL configurations accurate, secure, and compatible with every browser and server.