HTML Entity Encoder & Decoder
Free online tool to encode/decode HTML entities—convert special characters for safe display or source viewing in web development.
Our HTML entity encoder & decoder is a free utility transforming special characters into entities (e.g., < → <) or back, essential for web devs preventing markup conflicts or XSS. Using native JS methods, it supports named/numeric entities across UTF-8—ideal for sanitizing inputs, preparing templates, or debugging rendered content, all client-side for instant, private use.
Common Use Cases for Entity Conversion
- ✓Web Content Sanitization
Encode user inputs to prevent XSS attacks in forms or comments.
- ✓Blog & CMS Editing
Decode entities when pasting from sources to display raw text in posts.
- ✓JavaScript Templating
Prepare strings for insertion into HTML via innerHTML without breaking markup.
- ✓API Data Handling
Encode JSON responses or decode incoming data for clean frontend rendering.
- ✓Email Template Creation
Ensure special chars like & or < render correctly in newsletters.
- ✓Code Snippet Sharing
Convert code examples for forums or docs to avoid parsing errors.
Why Choose Our Converter?
Bi-Directional Conversion
Encode (text → entities) or decode (entities → text) with one-click toggle
Full Entity Support
Handles named (e.g., &), numeric (decimal/hex), and UTF-8 entities
Real-Time Preview
Instant updates as you type; side-by-side original vs. converted views
Bulk Processing
Convert multi-line text or large snippets; preserves whitespace
Copy-Ready Output
One-click clipboard; no formatting changes for direct paste
Browser Native
Uses built-in methods for speed; works offline without libraries
How to Use the HTML Entity Encoder & Decoder
- Select Mode: Choose "Encode" for text-to-entities or "Decode" for entities-to-text
- Input Content: Paste or type text with special chars (e.g., Hello < World!)
- Convert: Auto-processes in real-time; preview the result below
- Review Output: Ensure entities like & or < are correct
- Copy & Use: Clipboard the converted text for HTML insertion or display
Understanding HTML Entities
HTML entities escape reserved chars: named (& for &), decimal (&), or hex (&) to prevent parsing as tags. Encoding protects against injection; decoding renders source correctly. Standards from HTML5 support ~2k entities, including ISO Latin-1.
Example: Input "AT&T <script>" → Encoded: "AT&T <script>"; Decoded back to original.
- Decoding Logic: Reverse with temp DOM element.textContent = input; output = element.innerHTML
- Advanced Handling: Custom map for numeric; supports ( ) or accented chars
Browser-safe via createElement('div'); no outerHTML for security.
Advanced Features & Capabilities
Partial Encoding
Toggle specific chars (e.g., only < >) or modes like URL entities.
Batch Files
Upload .txt or .html for bulk conversion; process line-by-line.
Custom Entities
Define user maps for app-specific escapes beyond standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the HTML Entity Encoder & Decoder do?
It converts special characters to HTML entities and vice versa for safe web display.
Is it free to use?
Yes, this tool is completely free and works instantly.
What are HTML entities?
HTML entities are codes like & for '&' or < for '<', escaping chars that browsers interpret as markup.
Does it handle Unicode?
Yes; supports UTF-8 entities for international chars, e.g., é → é.
Why encode for web display?
Prevents XSS by neutralizing <script> tags or & in URLs; decodes for readable source viewing.
Can I process files?
For large text, paste directly; for files, use browser extensions or programmatic integration.
Privacy & Best Practices Considerations
This converter maintains secure, local text handling:
- Client-Side Only: No transmission; safe for sensitive content like emails
- Security Tips: Always encode user inputs; validate on server too for robustness
- Best Practices: Use in React/Vue via libraries like he; test cross-browser rendering
- Related Tools: Pair with Markdown to HTML Converter for content prep