Your Go-To Online HTML Decoder

Our HTML Decode tool provides a simple and efficient way to convert HTML entities back into their original, human-readable characters. When web content is stored or transmitted, special characters like , >, and & are often encoded into entities (<, >, &) to prevent them from being interpreted as HTML code. This tool reverses that process, making the content readable again.

Whether you are a developer debugging code, a content manager reviewing user submissions, or just curious about what a piece of encoded text says, our decoder is the perfect solution. It operates entirely within your browser, ensuring your data remains private and secure.

How to Use the HTML Decode Tool

1. Paste Your Text: Copy the HTML-encoded string you want to decode and paste it into the input area above.
2. Click Decode: Press the "Decode" button. The tool will immediately process the text.
3. Copy the Result: The decoded, readable text will appear in the output box. Use the "Copy Result" button for easy access.

Frequently Asked Questions About HTML Decode

What is HTML decoding?

HTML decoding is the process of converting HTML entities back into their original characters. For example, the entity < is decoded to , > to >, and & to &. This process makes encoded text readable and usable for display or further processing.

How do you decode an HTML string?

Using our HTML Decode tool is the easiest way. Simply paste your encoded HTML string into the input box, click the 'Decode' button, and the tool will instantly show you the decoded, readable text in the output area. You can then copy the result with a single click.

What is the difference between HTML encoding and decoding?

HTML encoding and decoding are opposite processes. Encoding converts special characters (like '<', '>', '&') into their corresponding HTML entities ('<', '>', '&') to prevent them from being interpreted as code by a browser. Decoding reverses this process, converting the entities back into their original characters to make the text readable.

Why is it necessary to decode HTML entities?

Decoding is necessary when you want to display or process data that has been previously HTML-encoded. For instance, if user-generated content is stored in a database with encoded characters for security, you must decode it before displaying it on a webpage to ensure it renders correctly as readable text rather than raw entities.

What does < decode to?

The HTML entity < decodes to the less-than symbol: . This is one of the most common entities because the character is used to start HTML tags, so it must be encoded to be displayed as literal text.