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Convert BBCode Markup to HTML Convert BBCode forum markup to HTML.

BBCode to HTML illustration
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BBCode to HTML

Convert BBCode forum markup to HTML.

1

Paste BBCode

Paste your BBCode markup.

2

Review Converted HTML

BBCode tags are converted to HTML elements.

3

Copy HTML

Copy the generated HTML.

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What Is BBCode to HTML?

BBCode to HTML is a conversion process that transforms BBCode markup into standard HTML, allowing users to easily port content from forums, message boards, and online communities to web pages. Forum administrators and moderators often use this conversion to migrate posts and threads to new platforms or to create web-based archives of discussions. One specific problem it solves is the need to manually rewrite BBCode tags like [b], [i], and [u] into their HTML equivalents, such as <strong>, <em>, and <u>, which can be time-consuming and prone to errors.

The tool stands out from other converters due to its support for advanced BBCode features, including parameterized tags like [size=12] and [color=red], which are converted to HTML span elements with corresponding styles. It also handles more complex structures like lists, quotes, and code blocks, converting them into proper HTML elements like <ul>, <blockquote>, and <pre>. For example, the tool can convert a BBCode list ([list][*]item1[*]item2[/list]) into an HTML unordered list (<ul><li>item1</li><li>item2</li></ul>), making it easy to use as a bbcode to html online converter. This level of detail makes it a reliable choice for converting BBCode to HTML, especially when working with large amounts of content that need to be migrated or archived. To convert bbcode to html, users can simply paste their BBCode into the tool and get the equivalent HTML output.

Why Use BBCode to HTML?

  • Convert forum posts from BBCode to HTML format
  • Migrate content from BBCode-based forums to HTML websites
  • Preview how BBCode will render as HTML
  • Transform BBCode content for modern web platforms

Common Use Cases

Forum Migration

Convert BBCode posts to HTML when migrating to a new forum platform.

Content Archival

Archive forum content in HTML format for web display.

Preview

See how BBCode markup will render before posting.

Web Publishing

Adapt BBCode-formatted content for use on standard websites.

Technical Guide

The converter uses a series of regex replacements to transform BBCode tags to HTML. Processing is done in a specific order to handle nested tags correctly. Text formatting tags ([b], [i], [u], [s]) become their semantic HTML equivalents (<strong>, <em>, <u>, <del>). Parameterized tags like [size=N] become inline-styled <span> elements. URL tags handle both [url]link[/url] and [url=link]text[/url] formats. List tags convert [list] to <ul>, [list=1] to <ol>, and [*] to <li>. Quote tags support optional attribution. Code tags become <pre><code> blocks. Newlines are converted to <br/> for proper line-break rendering.

Tips & Best Practices

  • 1
    Supports both [url]link[/url] and [url=link]text[/url] formats
  • 2
    Color and size tags are converted to inline CSS styles
  • 3
    Nested BBCode tags are handled correctly
  • 4
    Line breaks are converted to <br/> tags

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q Which BBCode tags are supported?
b, i, u, s, url, img, quote, code, list, color, size, h1-h3, center, right, and more.
Q Does it handle nested tags?
Yes, nested tags like [b][i]text[/i][/b] are converted correctly.
Q Can I convert custom BBCode tags to HTML?
Only standard BBCode tags are supported. Custom or forum-specific tags pass through unchanged.
Q Are [color] and [size] converted?
Yes, they become <span> elements with inline CSS style attributes.
Q Does it validate the BBCode?
No strict validation is performed. Unclosed or mismatched tags may produce imperfect output.

About This Tool

BBCode to HTML is a free online tool by FreeToolkit.ai. All processing happens directly in your browser — your data never leaves your device. No registration or installation required.