HTML Encoder/Decoder

What is HTML Encoding?

HTML encoding converts special characters into HTML entities to ensure they display correctly in web browsers. For example, the less-than sign (<) is encoded as < to prevent it from being interpreted as the start of an HTML tag.

Why Encode HTML?

HTML encoding is essential when you need to display code examples, prevent XSS (Cross-Site Scripting) attacks, or ensure special characters render correctly on web pages. It helps maintain the integrity of your content across different browsers and platforms.

Common HTML Entities

What’s the difference between named entities and numeric entities?

Named entities (like <) use descriptive names and are more readable for humans. Numeric entities (like <) use the character’s Unicode code point. Named entities are supported for common characters, while numeric entities can represent any Unicode character.

When should I encode HTML?

You should encode HTML when displaying user-generated content, showing code examples, or when you need to include special characters that might otherwise be interpreted as HTML markup. This helps prevent rendering issues and security vulnerabilities like XSS attacks.

Does HTML encoding affect SEO?

HTML encoding doesn’t negatively impact SEO when used appropriately. Search engines are designed to understand HTML entities and will interpret them correctly. However, excessive or unnecessary encoding might make your content less readable for humans.

Can I decode partially encoded HTML?

Yes, our decoder will identify and convert HTML entities within your text while leaving the rest unchanged. This is useful when working with content that contains a mix of encoded and non-encoded text.