URL Rewriting Tool
The URL Rewriting Tool is a free online tool that converts dynamic, parameter-heavy URLs into clean, readable, SEO-friendly URL slugs and generates the Apache mod_rewrite rules needed to implement them on your server. Clean URLs are easier for users to read, easier to share and are generally preferred by search engines for clarity and keyword relevance.
Dynamic URLs like /page.php?id=123&cat=news are functional but ugly and hard to optimize. Rewriting them to /news/article-title/ improves user experience and can provide a modest SEO benefit through keyword inclusion in the URL.
How to Rewrite URLs
- Enter your original dynamic URL (e.g. /index.php?page=about)
- Enter the desired clean URL (e.g. /about/)
- Click Generate Rule
- Copy the mod_rewrite code and add it to your .htaccess file
URL Best Practices
- Use hyphens to separate words (not underscores)
- Keep URLs short and descriptive
- Include your primary keyword in the URL
- Use lowercase letters only
- Avoid special characters, parameters and session IDs
Remember to set up 301 redirects if you are changing existing URLs to preserve SEO equity. Use our .htaccess Redirect Generator for that. Both tools are free, no login required.