Decode HTML entities to readable text. Converts &, <, >, ", ', numeric and hex entities instantly.
Decoded Text
<html> & "Hello"
16 characters, 1 line
Decodes named entities (&, <, >, ", ', ) and numeric entities (decimal { and hex ).
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What is the HTML Decoder?
HTML Decoder is a tool that reverses HTML encoding, turning character references (like &, <, ") and numeric entities (like A, A) back into their plain-text equivalents. It handles both named entities defined in the HTML standard and numeric (decimal and hexadecimal) codes that represent Unicode characters.
How it works
Paste your encoded HTML into the decoder. It scans for entity patterns—ampersand followed by a name or number, then a semicolon—and replaces each with its real character. For example, & becomes &, < becomes <, and 😀 becomes the emoji 😀. The tool does not execute or render HTML; it simply translates the encoded symbols.
Examples
Input
Result
Notes
Welcome to <MyWebsite> & enjoy!
Welcome to <MyWebsite> & enjoy!
Common scenario: HTML-encoded angle brackets and ampersands need to be readable.
Price is £99.99 — limited time.
Price is £99.99 — limited time.
Named entities for currency and punctuation symbols decode to their Unicode counterparts.
Email: user@example.com (private)
Email: user@example.com (private)
Numeric decimal entities @ for @ and . for . are common in spam-prevention encoding.
How to use the HTML Decoder
Copy or paste your HTML-encoded text into the input box.
Click 'Decode' (or auto-decode if enabled).
Review the output—all entities should now show as readable characters.
Copy the decoded text to use in emails, documents, or code.
If some entities didn't decode, check for typos (e.g. & without the semicolon).
Use the 'Copy to Clipboard' button to quickly capture the result.
Benefits
Read spam-encoded email addresses without guessing what characters they hide.
Debug HTML source code that uses entities instead of literal characters.
Decode web form data or API responses that arrive HTML-escaped.
Understand forum posts, comments, or old email where entities are visible.
Convert character codes to symbols for accessibility and document clarity.
Tips & common mistakes
Common mistakes
Forgetting the semicolon at the end of an entity (e.g. & instead of &)—the decoder may not recognize it.
Mixing decimal and hexadecimal notation without the correct prefix (< vs <).
Assuming the decoder will render HTML tags—it decodes text only, does not execute scripts or styles.
Tips
If you copy text from a web page and see odd symbols, it likely contains encoded entities; paste it here to fix it.
Numeric entities are often used to obfuscate email addresses or hide special characters in plain-text files.
Test your decoded output by pasting it back into a form or email—if it looks right, you've decoded correctly.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between & and &?
Both decode to the ampersand & character. & is a named entity (human-readable), and & is its numeric decimal equivalent. The decoder handles both.
Can this decoder handle hexadecimal entities like 😀?
Yes. The x prefix signals hexadecimal (base-16) notation. 😀 decodes to 😀. Decimal entities use no prefix (😀 also decodes to 😀).
What if my text has no entities—will the decoder break it?
No. Plain text passes through unchanged. The decoder only touches recognized entity patterns, so normal words and punctuation remain as-is.
Why do spammers use encoded email addresses?
Encoding hides email addresses from simple text-scraping bots that collect addresses for spam lists, though smarter scrapers can decode them.
Can I decode HTML tags themselves (like <div>)?
Yes. Angle brackets and quotes are often encoded in HTML source to prevent them being interpreted as actual tags. The decoder converts them back to < and >.
Is there a maximum length for text I can decode?
Most online decoders handle thousands of characters. If you hit limits, split your text into smaller chunks and decode each separately.