HTML Entity Encoder & Decoder

Convert HTML characters (`<`, `>`, `&`, `"`) into safe HTML entities (`<`, `>`) to prevent XSS attacks or decode entities back to plain text.

Target Characters:XSS Characters Only (< > & " ')All Non-ASCII Characters

Entity Format:Named (<)Decimal (<)Hex (<)

PLAIN HTML / TEXT INPUT

SAFE HTML ENTITY RESULT

Free Online HTML Entity Encoder & Decoder - Prevent XSS & Encode Special Characters

When building web applications, displaying user-submitted text directly inside HTML pages without proper sanitization opens severe security vulnerabilities known as Cross-Site Scripting (XSS). Malicious users can inject executable JavaScript <script> tags, HTML attributes, or iframe payloads into your site, compromising user sessions and stealing cookies. Our Free Online HTML Entity Encoder & Decoder safely converts dangerous HTML characters into HTML entities.

Whether you need to escape XSS control characters (<, >, &, ", '), convert non-ASCII international symbols into named HTML entities (©, €, ñ), or format text into decimal/hexadecimal entity codes, our tool handles XSS sanitization and entity decoding with 100% client-side DOMParser accuracy.

How to Encode & Decode HTML Entities Online

Input Code or Text: Type, paste, or load sample HTML markup into the input panel on the left.
Select Encoding Mode: Choose between "XSS Unsafe Only" (encodes <, >, &, ", ') or "All Non-ASCII Characters" (encodes foreign characters and symbols).
Choose Entity Format: Select entity formatting notation: Named Entities (`<`), Decimal Entities (`<`), or Hexadecimal Entities (`<`).
Encode or Decode: Click "Encode HTML" to convert code to safe entities, or click "Decode HTML" to parse HTML entities back into plain text.

Key Features & Technical Capabilities

Dual Encoding Scope: Sanitize XSS control characters or encode all non-ASCII symbols for legacy HTML compatibility.
Multiple Entity Formats: Export named HTML entities (`"`), decimal notation (`"`), or hexadecimal format (`"`).
Safe DOMParser Decoder Engine: Uses browser DOMParser technology to decode HTML entities without risk of executing script payloads.
100% Client-Side Browser Execution: Your code, database queries, and templates remain completely private inside your browser.

Best Practices for XSS Prevention & Entity Encoding

Always Encode User Input: Sanitize all user inputs (comments, usernames, search queries) before injecting them into HTML templates.
Context-Aware Encoding: Use HTML entity encoding for HTML body content, and JS escaping for inline <script> blocks.
Use Named Entities for Common Symbols: Standard named entities like &, <, >,  , and © make HTML source code human-readable.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) and how does encoding prevent it?

XSS occurs when attackers inject malicious HTML/JS into web pages. Encoding converts active HTML tags like <script> into non-executable plain text entities <script> that browsers display safely without running.

What is the difference between Named, Decimal, and Hexadecimal entities?

Named entities use text handles (`©`), Decimal entities use character unicode numbers (`©`), and Hexadecimal entities use hex values (`©`). All three render identically in modern web browsers.

Is my source code uploaded to any external server?

No! Encoding and decoding execute 100% locally in your web browser memory using HTML5 DOMParser APIs.

Can I decode HTML entity strings back into plain text?

Yes! Simply paste entity-encoded text (e.g. `<div>Hello</div>`) and click "Decode HTML" to reveal the raw HTML string.