Enter a URL
Use this free URL Rewriting Tool to turn a dynamic URL example into cleaner URL formats and generate sample Apache mod_rewrite rules. Enter one complete dynamic URL containing a query string, such as https://example.com/product.php?id=25&category=shoes. The tool examines its path and parameters, then displays alternative URL patterns together with example rewrite code.
This tool is intended for website owners and developers who use an Apache web server and want a starting point for configuring cleaner public URLs. It does not edit your website, modify your server, shorten a URL through an external service, or automatically redirect existing pages. You must review and implement the generated rule yourself.
URL rewriting is a server-side process that maps a requested public URL to another internal resource. For example, a visitor may request a readable address such as /product/id/25/, while the server internally loads product.php?id=25. The visible address can remain clean even though the application still uses query parameters behind the scenes.
On Apache HTTP Server, this mapping is commonly handled by the mod_rewrite module. Its rules use patterns and substitutions to decide how incoming requests should be processed. A rewrite is not necessarily the same as a redirect: an internal rewrite can serve content without changing the browser address, whereas an external redirect sends the browser to a different URL.
If the submitted address does not contain a recognizable dynamic query string, the tool may report that it does not appear to be a dynamic URL. A simple page such as https://example.com/about does not need conversion by this generator.
Consider this dynamic address:
https://example.com/product.php?id=25&category=shoes
A site owner might present it in a cleaner form such as:
https://example.com/product/id/25/category/shoes/
The exact structure is a design choice. A production rule must match your application, directory, parameter order and server configuration. Never assume that a generated example is safe for every website.
The generator reads the filename and query parameters from one submitted URL. It can propose hyphen-based and directory-style formats and produce sample Apache rewrite directives. The output is a technical starting point, not an automatic installation.
The tool does not provide bulk URL migration, analytics, redirect monitoring, API access, scheduled deployment or automatic error checking. It also does not create a complete redirect map for an old website. Large migrations require a carefully planned mapping between every old URL and its correct new destination.
A short, descriptive address is often easier for people to understand, copy and remember. Meaningful path words can give visitors an idea of the page topic before they open it.
A predictable URL pattern helps developers organize sections and helps publishers maintain consistent internal links. Consistency also reduces the chance that several different-looking addresses will be used for the same content.
Google recommends simple, logical and descriptive URL structures where possible. Hyphens are generally suitable for separating words. However, rewriting a URL alone does not guarantee crawling, indexing, traffic or higher rankings. Search performance depends on many factors, including content quality, accessibility, internal linking, duplication and overall site value.
Modern search engines can crawl many URLs containing query parameters. A dynamic URL is not automatically low quality, and a static-looking URL is not automatically better. Keep parameters when they are genuinely needed, such as for filtering, pagination or application state. The goal should be a stable and understandable structure rather than changing URLs only for appearance.
Avoid creating unlimited parameter combinations, inconsistent parameter order or multiple URLs that return the same main content. Those situations can waste crawl resources and create duplicate versions. Where duplicates cannot be avoided, use consistent internal links and an appropriate canonical strategy.
The sample output is designed around Apache mod_rewrite. Your hosting environment must permit rewrite rules. Depending on the server, rules may be placed in the main Apache configuration or in an allowed .htaccess file. Other servers, including Nginx or Microsoft IIS, use different configuration syntax.
In an .htaccess file, matching behavior can differ from server-level configuration because the directory prefix is handled differently. Hosting providers may also restrict individual directives. If a rule produces a server error, redirect loop or missing page, restore the backup and consult the host or a qualified developer.
An internal rewrite maps a readable request to the application that supplies the content. A redirect returns an HTTP response telling the browser and search engine to request another address. When permanently replacing an old public URL with a new one, a server-side permanent redirect is usually needed so users and search engines reach the preferred destination.
Do not leave both the old and new versions freely accessible without a plan. Choose the preferred address, update internal links and sitemap entries, and ensure old addresses resolve to the correct replacement when appropriate. A canonical tag can help identify a preferred duplicate, but it does not repair broken rewrite logic.
.htaccess file.mod_rewrite is available.A small pattern error can affect an entire directory or make a website unavailable. Test incrementally and keep a recoverable copy of the working configuration.
If an indexed or linked address changes, failing to redirect it can send visitors and crawlers to a 404 response. Each retired URL should lead to the closest relevant replacement rather than an unrelated homepage.
Trailing slash variations, uppercase letters, different parameter orders, HTTP/HTTPS and www/non-www combinations can produce duplicate addresses. Define one consistent format and enforce it carefully.
Readable URLs can improve clarity, but changing them is not a shortcut to rankings. An unnecessary migration can introduce broken links, redirects and duplicate pages. Keep a working URL when there is no meaningful reason to change it.
No. It only generates example formats and rewrite code. You must review and install the appropriate rule on your own server.
No, not directly. Nginx uses different configuration syntax. Convert the intended mapping into an Nginx-compatible rule or ask your server administrator.
There is no ranking guarantee. A clear structure can help users and search engines understand a URL, but indexing and ranking depend on the page and website as a whole.
No. Parameters can be necessary for legitimate website functions. Rewrite only when a cleaner, stable public structure is useful and technically maintainable.
No. A URL shortener normally creates a separate short address that redirects to another URL. This tool generates examples for mapping a clean path to a dynamic application address on your own Apache website.
Restore the last working configuration immediately. Then check the rule syntax, enabled modules, directory context and hosting restrictions before trying again.
The URL Rewriting Tool can save time when exploring how a dynamic URL might be represented with a cleaner path. Treat its output as an example that requires human review. A safe implementation preserves working pages, avoids duplicate addresses and gives every old URL an appropriate destination.