HTML Encoder/Decoder

Encode special characters to HTML entities or decode HTML entities back to text.

Escape HTML safely

Examples:
Text to Encode
Result

About This Tool

HTML encoding converts special characters like <, >, & into HTML entities to prevent XSS attacks and display HTML code as text. Decoding reverses this process.

&&amp;
<&lt;
>&gt;
"&quot;
About

About the HTML Encoder/Decoder

The HTML Encoder/Decoder converts text to and from HTML entities, so characters like <, >, &, and quotation marks display literally instead of being parsed as markup. Reach for it when you need to safely embed user content or code samples inside a page, or when you have to read encoded text back into plain form. It runs entirely in your browser, so the text you paste never leaves your device.

How to use the HTML Encoder/Decoder

  1. 1Paste or type your text into the input field.
  2. 2Choose Encode to turn raw characters into HTML entities, or Decode to turn entities back into plain text.
  3. 3Read the converted result in the output field.
  4. 4Copy the output and paste it into your HTML, template, or document.
  5. 5Toggle back and forth to confirm the round-trip matches your original text.

Common use cases

  • Displaying code snippets or HTML examples on a page as visible text instead of rendered elements
  • Escaping user-generated input before inserting it into a template to avoid broken layouts or injection
  • Decoding entity-escaped strings copied from a database, CMS export, or API response
  • Cleaning up content pasted from a rich-text editor that left entities behind
  • Preparing safe text for emails, XML, or documents where reserved characters cause errors

Frequently asked questions

What does encoding HTML actually do?

It replaces reserved characters with HTML entities, for example < becomes &lt;, > becomes &gt;, and & becomes &amp;. The browser then renders the literal characters instead of interpreting them as tags or markup.

When should I encode versus decode?

Encode when you want to display raw HTML, code, or user input as visible text on a page. Decode when you have entity-escaped text (such as content from a database or an export) and need to read or reuse it in its original form.

Does this prevent XSS attacks?

Escaping HTML entities is a core defense that stops markup from being interpreted, which is the foundation of output encoding. For production security you should still encode on the server at the correct output context and follow a complete XSS prevention strategy rather than relying on a single client-side step.

Is my data private?

Yes. The tool runs 100% client-side in your browser. Nothing you paste is uploaded, sent to a server, stored, or tracked, so it is safe to use with internal or sensitive text.

Is it free to use?

Yes, the HTML Encoder/Decoder is completely free with no sign-up, no limits, and no watermarks.

Your data never leaves your browser • No cookies • Works offline after your first visit

Press ? for keyboard shortcuts

We use minimal, privacy-focused cookies to improve your experience. Our developer tools process all data locally — we never store your content. Learn more