HTML Entity Decoder
Decode HTML entities to plain text instantly. Free online HTML decoder for & entities and numeric codes.
What Is a HTML Entity Decoder?
HTML entity decoding is needed when processing scraped web content, parsing RSS feeds, cleaning up CMS exports, or debugging encoded text in API responses. Many web scraping and content extraction tools return HTML-encoded text that needs decoding to be readable and usable. This decoder handles all named entities (2,231 defined in the HTML spec) and numeric character references (both decimal and hexadecimal).
Example
HTML Entities Input:
<p>Hello & welcome</p>Text Output:
<p>Hello & welcome</p>How to Use This Converter
- Paste your HTML Entities data into the input panel.
- View the converted Text output — it updates instantly.
- Click Copy to copy the result to your clipboard.
- Verify the output matches your expectations before using in production.
Related Converters
All conversions run entirely in your browser — no data is sent to any server. For the specification, see WHATWG — Named Character References.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HTML decoding?
HTML decoding converts entity references (<, &, <, etc.) back to their original characters (<, &, <). This reveals the actual text content hidden behind HTML encoding.
When do I need to decode HTML entities?
When extracting text from HTML source code, processing web scraping results, reading RSS/Atom feeds, or cleaning up content from CMS exports. Many APIs return HTML-encoded text that needs decoding for display.
What is the difference between named and numeric entities?
Named entities use readable names (& for &, < for <). Numeric entities use the character's Unicode code point (& for &, < for <). Both decode to the same character. Named entities are more common; numeric entities can represent any Unicode character.
Does decoding HTML entities pose a security risk?
Decoding itself is safe, but rendering decoded content as HTML can be dangerous if it contains scripts. Always sanitize decoded content before inserting it into the DOM. Use textContent instead of innerHTML when displaying user-provided decoded text.
The tools and calculators provided on The Simple Toolbox are intended for educational and informational purposes only. They do not constitute financial, legal, tax, or professional advice. While we strive to keep calculations accurate, numbers are based on user inputs and standard assumptions that may not apply to your specific situation. Always consult with a certified professional (such as a CPA, financial advisor, or attorney) before making significant financial or business decisions.
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