HTML Entity Encoder & Decoder
Convert special characters to HTML entities or decode entities into readable text.
Use our free HTML Entity Encoder and Decoder to convert special characters into HTML entities or decode entities back into readable text. This tool is useful for web developers, content editors, students, and anyone working with HTML code.
What Is an HTML Entity Encoder?
An HTML Entity Encoder converts characters such as ampersands, quotation marks, and angle brackets into their corresponding HTML entity representations. For example, the less-than character can be written as <, while the greater-than character can be written as >.
Encoding these characters can help display code examples as text instead of having the browser interpret them as HTML markup.
What Is an HTML Entity Decoder?
An HTML Entity Decoder converts recognized HTML character references back into their corresponding characters. For example, & becomes &, and " becomes a double quotation mark.
How to Use This Tool
- Enter or paste your text into the input box.
- Select Encode HTML Entities or Decode HTML Entities.
- Click the appropriate action button.
- Review the converted output.
- Copy the result for use in your project.
HTML Entity Examples
Encode Special Characters
Input: <h1>Hello & Welcome</h1>
Output: <h1>Hello & Welcome</h1>
The output represents the markup characters as text.
Decode HTML Entities
Input: <p>ToolsWeb & Tools</p>
Output: <p>ToolsWeb & Tools</p>
The decoded result contains the original characters. Treat decoded output as text unless you intentionally need to use it as HTML.
Features of the HTML Entity Encoder and Decoder
- Encodes common HTML-sensitive characters
- Decodes recognized named and numeric character references
- Supports text containing symbols and punctuation
- Provides separate input and output areas
- Includes a copy-output action
- Processes text in the browser without sending it to a server through this tool
When Should You Use HTML Entities?
HTML entities are useful when displaying markup examples, showing reserved characters in documentation, and representing certain characters in HTML text. Encoding is not a replacement for context-aware output escaping or a complete web security strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the HTML entity for a less-than sign?
The named HTML entity is <. Its numeric character reference is <.
What is the HTML entity for an ampersand?
The named HTML entity is &. This is commonly used when an ampersand needs to be represented in HTML text.
Does encoding text make a website secure?
No. Entity encoding alone does not secure every type of web output. Developers should use the correct escaping method for the specific context, such as HTML text, HTML attributes, JavaScript, or URLs.
Can I decode numeric HTML entities?
Yes. This tool supports common decimal and hexadecimal numeric character references as well as recognized named HTML entities.
Is this tool free?
Yes. It is designed for free use in a modern browser.
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Disclaimer
This tool is provided for general development and educational purposes. Always review converted output before using it in a live website or application.