What Is HTML Encoding and Decoding? – Simple Explanation

What Is HTML Encoding and Decoding? – Simple Explanation

When writing HTML code, some characters like < or & can break your webpage if used directly. This is where HTML encoding comes in. Let’s understand it in simple words.

What Is HTML Encoding?

HTML encoding means converting special characters into safe text so that they don’t get treated as code by the browser. For example, if you write < (less than symbol), it will be treated as part of HTML unless it’s encoded properly.

Here are a few examples:

  • <&lt;
  • >&gt;
  • &&amp;

What Is HTML Decoding?

HTML decoding is the reverse process. It changes encoded characters like &amp; back into their normal readable form, such as &.

Where It’s Used

  • 🧾 To display code examples safely in blogs
  • 🔐 To prevent code injection and improve security
  • 📦 In CMS, emails, or forms where special characters are used

Use Our Free HTML Encoder & Decoder

Convert any text to safe HTML or decode it back using our free tool. It’s simple, browser-based, and secure.

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FAQs About HTML Encoding

Why do we need HTML encoding?

To protect the website from broken layout or code errors when special characters are used.

Is HTML encoding the same as URL encoding?

No. HTML encoding is for browser-safe content, while URL encoding is for web links.

Can I decode any HTML entity?

Yes, our tool supports all standard HTML entities and will decode them properly.