Welcome! This page lets you convert domain names between their native-language form (IDN) and Punycode, the ASCII format that web browsers and DNS servers understand. Use the tool below, then scroll on to learn what IDNs are, why Punycode exists, and how both impact your website’s reach and SEO.
What Are Internationalised Domain Names?
An Internationalised Domain Name (IDN) contains characters beyond basic ASCII, allowing web addresses to appear in scripts such as Urdu (پاکستان), Arabic (السعودية), Chinese (中国), Cyrillic (рф), and many more. IDNs make the internet more inclusive by letting people type and read web addresses in their own languages.
Key benefits of IDNs
- Local trust & brand recognition – Visitors instantly recognise a familiar script.
- Marketing advantage – Memorable, culturally relevant URLs can boost click-through rates.
- Regulatory support – Many registries now encourage IDN adoption to increase linguistic diversity online.
What Is Punycode?
Punycode is a reversible encoding scheme defined by RFC 3492. It turns the multilingual characters of an IDN into the limited character set (letters A-Z, digits 0-9, and hyphens) that the Domain Name System can transmit. Punycode domains always begin with the xn-- prefix. For example:
مثال.پاکستان → xn--mgbh0fb.xn--mgbai9azgqp6j
rückversicherung.de → xn--rckversicherung-zvb.deEvery modern browser performs this translation automatically in the background, but registrars, SSL certificates, and many APIs still require the Punycode form.
Why Does Punycode Matter?
- Technical compatibility – DNS operates on ASCII. Punycode bridges the gap.
- SSL/TLS certificates – Certificate requests must use the ASCII representation.
- WHOIS & registrar systems – Most provisioning interfaces expect Punycode input.
- Email (IDN-email) – While frameworks such as SMTPUTF8 exist, many mail servers still rely on ASCII-only domains in the
@portion of addresses.
How to Use the Converter Above
- Enter your domain in either its native script or its
xn--form. - Select the conversion direction: “IDN → Punycode” or “Punycode → IDN.”
- Click Convert. The translated result appears instantly.
- Copy the output for use in registrar forms, SSL requests, DNS records, or marketing materials.
Common Use Cases
| Scenario | Why You Need the ASCII Form |
|---|---|
| Registering or transferring an IDN | Many registrars’ APIs require Punycode to ensure accuracy. |
| Ordering SSL/TLS certificates | Certificate Signing Requests (CSRs) accept ASCII domains only. |
| DNS management | Zone files use Punycode for CNAME, MX, and TXT records. |
| Integrating payment gateways or third-party apps | Legacy systems that don’t yet decode IDNs will still work with Punycode. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Will using an IDN hurt my SEO?
No. Google and other major search engines treat IDNs and their Punycode equivalents the same. Focus on quality content, backlinks, and user experience—just as you would for any domain.
Can I mix scripts in the same label (e.g., Urdu and Latin together)?
Technically yes, but many registries prohibit “script mixing” to prevent security issues such as homograph attacks. Check your registry’s IDN policy before registering.
Do I need a special hosting plan for IDNs?
No special hosting is required. Inspedium’s servers treat IDNs and Punycode domains identically.
Tips for Registering and Managing IDNs
- Secure both variants – Register the plain ASCII version (if available) and redirect it to the IDN for maximum reach.
- Use HTTPS everywhere – SSL certificates reduce phishing concerns around look-alike characters.
- Consistent branding – Include your IDN in print, social media, and marketing to normalise its use.
- Monitor for abuse – As with any domain, keep an eye on potential typosquatting or spoofed variants.
Need Help? Ask Inspedium!
Whether you’re registering your first IDN, setting up DNS records, or configuring email, Inspedium is here to help. We offer secure web hosting, managed WordPress, and 24×7 support—all optimised for multilingual domains. Get in touch to learn more.
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