HTML Entity Encoder/Decoder
Convert special characters to HTML entities and decode HTML entities back to text. Support for named entities, numeric entities, and Unicode characters.
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How to Use the HTML Entity Encoder/Decoder
Single Mode
- Select your operation: Encode or Decode
- If encoding, choose your preferred entity type (Named, Decimal, or Hexadecimal)
- Enter or paste your text in the input area
- The conversion happens automatically in real-time
- View encoding details to see how many entities were created
- Click the "Copy" button to copy the result to your clipboard
Batch Mode (New!)
- Switch to "Batch" mode using the mode toggle
- Select your operation (Encode or Decode)
- If encoding, choose your preferred entity type
- Upload a TXT or CSV file, or enter multiple lines of text
- Click "Process Batch" to convert all items at once
- View results in a detailed table with success/error indicators
- Download results as TXT (plain output) or CSV (with input/output columns)
Batch mode is perfect for processing large amounts of HTML content at once. Each line is processed independently, making it ideal for bulk encoding or decoding operations.
Common Use Cases
- Web scraping and data extraction: Decode HTML entities from scraped content
- XML/HTML content processing: Properly escape content before inserting into documents
- Preventing XSS vulnerabilities: Encode user input to prevent code injection attacks
- Email template development: Ensure special characters display correctly in email clients
- RSS feed generation: Encode content for valid XML formatting
- Displaying code snippets in HTML: Show HTML code without it being rendered by the browser
Understanding HTML Entities
HTML entities are special codes used to represent characters that have special meaning in HTML or that are difficult to type. They prevent these characters from being interpreted as HTML code and ensure proper display across different browsers and systems.
There are three types of HTML entities:
- Named entities: Human-readable names like
<,>,&, and - Decimal entities: Numeric codes using the character's Unicode decimal value, like
 for non-breaking space - Hexadecimal entities: Numeric codes using hexadecimal notation, like
 for non-breaking space
Common HTML Entities Reference
| Character | Named Entity | Decimal | Hex |
|---|---|---|---|
| < | < | < | < |
| > | > | > | > |
| & | & | & | & |
| " | " | " | " |
| ' | ' | ' | ' |
| (non-breaking space) | |   |   |
| © | © | © | © |
| ® | ® | ® | ® |
| € | € | € | € |
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I use named entities vs numeric entities?
Named entities are more readable and easier to understand in your code (e.g., © is clearer than ©). However, numeric entities work for any Unicode character, making them more versatile. Use named entities for common characters and numeric entities for specialized Unicode characters.
Does this tool support Unicode characters?
Yes! This encoder fully supports Unicode characters including emojis, international alphabets, and special symbols. They will be converted to their appropriate numeric entity codes.
Why do I need to encode HTML entities?
Encoding prevents special characters from being interpreted as HTML code. For example, if you want to display <div> as text rather than creating an actual div element, you must encode it as <div>. It's also essential for security (preventing XSS attacks) and ensuring content displays correctly.
Is my data stored or transmitted?
No, all encoding and decoding happens locally in your browser using JavaScript. Your data never leaves your device, ensuring complete privacy.
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