DiffCheck

HTML Entity Encoder / Decoder

Encode HTML special characters to named (&), decimal (&), or hex (&) entities. Decode entities back to plain text. Includes a 60+ entity reference.

What Is the HTML Entity Encoder?

The HTML Entity Encoder converts plain text or HTML containing special characters into properly encoded HTML entities. Choose from four encoding modes: minimal (only the five essential characters), named (human-readable names like ©), decimal (©), or hex (©). A decoder tab converts entity-encoded HTML back to plain text.

The built-in Reference tab provides a searchable table of 60+ common HTML entities including symbols, currency signs, arrows, math operators, and Greek letters — with one-click copy for each encoding format.

How to Use the HTML Entity Encoder

  1. Select the Encode tab to encode text, or Decode to decode entity-encoded HTML.
  2. Paste your text or HTML into the input panel, or click Load Sample.
  3. For encoding, choose a mode: Minimal, Named, Decimal, or Hex.
  4. The encoded or decoded output appears instantly in the right panel.
  5. Click Copy to copy the result.
  6. Use the Reference tab to look up any entity — click a row to copy it directly.

Features

  • Encode mode — converts special characters to HTML entities
  • Decode mode — converts HTML entities back to readable characters
  • Four encoding styles: Minimal, Named (&), Decimal (&), Hex (&)
  • Reference table with 60+ entities — searchable by character, entity name, or description
  • One-click copy for each entity encoding format in the reference table
  • Handles all Unicode characters outside ASCII using numeric entities

FAQ

What are HTML entities?

HTML entities are special codes that represent characters with reserved meaning in HTML or characters that are difficult to type directly. For example, < must be written as &lt; to prevent the browser from interpreting it as an HTML tag start.

What is the difference between named, decimal, and hex entities?

Named entities use a readable name like &amp; or &copy;. Decimal entities use the Unicode code point as a number like &#38;. Hex entities use the hexadecimal code point like &#x26;. All three are equivalent and supported by all modern browsers.

Which characters must always be encoded in HTML?

The five essential characters are: & → &amp;, < → &lt;, > → &gt;, " → &quot;, ' → &apos;. Use Minimal mode to encode only these.

When should I use named vs decimal entities?

Named entities like &copy; are easier to read. Decimal and hex entities are more universal since they can represent any Unicode character. For generated HTML code, decimal or hex entities are often more reliable as the full named entity list is finite.