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HTML Decode

DecodeDeveloperFrontendHTMLText

Convert HTML entities back to readable text with our free HTML Decode tool. Instantly decode <, >, & and all HTML special characters for easier editing and viewing.

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INPUT

Auto Process

OUTPUT

Client Side

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Guide

What is HTML Decode?

HTML Decode is a tool that converts HTML entities and escape sequences back to their original characters. When developing websites or handling HTML content, special characters are often encoded using entities (like < for < or & for &). This tool makes it easy to translate those encoded entities back to their readable form.

Key Features

Feature	Description
Real-time conversion	Instantly see decoded HTML as you type
File upload support	Process HTML files directly through drag-and-drop
Client-side processing	Your data never leaves your browser for enhanced privacy
Support for all HTML entities	Handles named entities, decimal, and hexadecimal codes
Clean output formatting	Displays decoded HTML with proper syntax highlighting

Common HTML Entities

Entity	Code	Decoded Result
<	`<`	<
>	`>`	>
&	`&`	&
"	`"`	“
'	`'`	‘
	` `	(non-breaking space)

When to Use HTML Decode

When viewing the source code that contains HTML entities
When debugging HTML markup issues
When extracting content from websites or HTML emails
When working with CMS systems that encode special characters
When processing data that’s been escaped for HTML display

How to Use

Paste your HTML-encoded text into the input field
Alternatively, drag and drop an HTML file into the input area
The tool automatically decodes the content in real-time
Copy the decoded result from the output section
Use the “Reset” button to clear both input and output fields

Benefits

Time-saving: Eliminates the need for manual entity replacement
Accuracy: Prevents human error when decoding complex HTML
Convenience: Handles all entity types in a single operation
Clarity: Makes HTML code more readable for analysis

For more complex HTML operations, consider using this tool alongside other web development utilities like HTML Validators or code editors with built-in HTML support.

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 FAQ

What is the difference between HTML encoding and decoding?

HTML encoding converts special characters into HTML entities (like turning < into <) to display them safely on web pages. HTML decoding is the reverse process, converting these entities back to their original characters for readability or further processing.
Why do we need to decode HTML entities?

HTML entities are used to safely represent special characters in HTML, but when you want to read or edit the actual content, these entities make text difficult to understand. Decoding converts them back to normal characters, making the content readable and editable.
Can HTML Decode handle all types of HTML entities?

Yes, our HTML Decode tool can process all standard HTML entities, including named entities (like &), decimal numeric entities (like &), and hexadecimal entities (like &).
Is it safe to decode HTML from unknown sources?

While the decoding process itself is safe, be cautious with the resulting content. Decoded HTML from unknown sources could contain scripts or harmful code. Always review decoded content before using it in your projects.
How can I tell if text needs HTML decoding?

Text that needs decoding typically contains patterns like <, >, &, or other sequences starting with & and ending with ;. You might also see numeric entities like & or hexadecimal entities like &.
Does HTML decoding work for international characters and symbols?

Yes, HTML decoding works for international characters and symbols that have been encoded as HTML entities. This includes accented characters, currency symbols, mathematical symbols, and characters from non-Latin alphabets.