HTML Escape / Unescape
Convert HTML special characters to entities and back to prevent XSS issues.
You can also drag and drop a text/HTML file here
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About HTML Escape/Unescape
What is HTML Escaping?
HTML escaping is the process of converting special characters like <, >, &, etc. into their corresponding HTML entities (<, >, &) to prevent them from being interpreted as HTML code. This is essential for displaying HTML code as text rather than having it rendered by the browser.
Why Escape HTML?
- Prevents XSS (Cross-Site Scripting) attacks
- Allows displaying HTML code as text
- Safely includes user-generated content in web pages
- Makes HTML code readable in documentation
Common HTML Entities
- < becomes <
- > becomes >
- & becomes &
- " becomes "
- ' becomes '
Use Cases
- Displaying code snippets on websites
- Securely handling user input in web applications
- Email template development
- Creating technical documentation
- Debugging HTML rendering issues
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HTML escaping and why is it important?
HTML escaping converts special characters like <, >, &, and quotes into their HTML entity equivalents (<, >, &, etc.). This is crucial for preventing XSS (Cross-Site Scripting) attacks and safely displaying HTML code as text in web pages.
Which characters are typically escaped in HTML?
The most commonly escaped characters are: < (<), > (>), & (&), " ("), ' ('), / (/), ` (`), and = (=). These characters have special meaning in HTML and need to be escaped when displayed as literal text.
When should I escape HTML content?
You should escape HTML content when displaying user-generated content, code snippets, or any text that might contain HTML special characters. This is especially important in web applications, forums, comment systems, and technical documentation.
What's the difference between escaping and unescaping HTML?
Escaping converts special characters to HTML entities (< becomes <), while unescaping does the reverse - converting HTML entities back to their original characters (< becomes <). Use escaping to display HTML as text, and unescaping to render HTML entities as actual characters.
Can this tool handle large HTML files?
Yes, the tool can process large HTML files through the file upload feature or drag-and-drop functionality. It handles files efficiently in the browser without sending data to any servers, ensuring privacy and speed.
Is my data secure when using this tool?
Absolutely! This tool processes all data locally in your browser. No text or files are sent to any servers or external services. Your HTML content remains completely private and secure on your device.
Can I preview the results of HTML unescaping?
Yes, the tool includes a preview feature that opens the unescaped HTML in a new window, allowing you to see how it would render in a browser. For escaped content, it shows the HTML source code in a readable format.
What file formats can I upload to this tool?
The tool accepts .txt, .html, .htm, and .xml files. You can upload files using the "Upload File" button or simply drag and drop them into the text area for quick processing.
How does this tool help prevent XSS attacks?
By escaping HTML special characters, this tool helps sanitize user input before displaying it on web pages. When HTML tags are escaped, they appear as text instead of being executed as code, preventing malicious scripts from running.
Can I use this tool for email template development?
Yes, this tool is excellent for email template development. Many email clients require HTML entities to be properly escaped. You can escape your HTML content to ensure it displays correctly across different email platforms.
Does the tool support both numeric and named HTML entities?
Yes, the tool handles both named entities (like < and >) and numeric entities (like < and >). It can convert between these formats and properly unescape both types back to their original characters.
What should I do if the preview feature doesn't work?
If the preview doesn't open, your browser may be blocking popups. Please allow popups for this site in your browser settings, or temporarily disable popup blocking, then try the preview feature again.