Debug UTF8
Split UTF8 data into byte sequences and visualize them. Runs entirely in your browser, so your data never leaves your device.
0 chars · 0 lines
Output
The result appears here as you type.
How to use Debug UTF8
- 1. Paste the text to inspect. Enter the string you are debugging, especially one where you suspect an encoding problem, such as a single accented character or a mixed-language line.
- 2. Read the per-character breakdown. There are no settings here; the output lists every character alongside its Unicode code point and its raw UTF-8 hex bytes, laid out so you can scan for anything unexpected.
- 3. Copy the breakdown for your notes. Copy the table from the output pane into a bug report, a code review comment or your own debugging notes to pin down exactly which character or byte is causing trouble.
When to use Debug UTF8
Debug UTF8 breaks a string apart character by character, showing each one's code point and raw byte sequence side by side. Reach for it whenever a string is misbehaving in ways a simple character count or eyeball check cannot explain.
- Finding a hidden invisible character. A string comparison keeps failing even though two values look identical on screen. Running it through the per-character breakdown reveals a zero-width space or other invisible character hiding in the text.
- Isolating which character breaks a parser. A JSON or CSV parser throws an encoding error on one specific line. Debugging the line here shows exactly which character's byte sequence is malformed or unexpected.
- Comparing two visually identical strings. Two usernames look the same but one uses a homoglyph or combining accent instead of a plain letter. The code point and byte view exposes the difference immediately.
Examples
Debug an accented character
Input
é
Output
é U+00E9 C3 A9
About the Debug UTF8 tool
Debug UTF8 runs as plain JavaScript in your browser tab, with no server behind it. Split UTF8 data into byte sequences and visualize them. Whatever you put in stays on your device from start to finish.
The tool is part of EditSafely's UTF-8 Tools section, 69 single-purpose utilities built around the same idea: open the page, get the result, keep your data to yourself.
There is nothing to configure. Provide the input and the result appears on its own. A worked example further down the page shows exactly what the tool produces for a real input.
That local-first design has practical benefits beyond privacy. The tool keeps working on a flaky connection once the page has loaded, results are instant because nothing round-trips to a server, and it is safe to use with confidential material.
Frequently asked questions
Does Debug UTF8 cost anything?
Yes, it is completely free. All 2,658 tools on EditSafely work without an account, a subscription or usage limits.
Is it safe to paste sensitive or confidential data?
No data leaves your device. The whole tool is JavaScript that runs inside your browser tab, so there is no upload, no server-side processing and no log of what you did. If you disconnect from the internet after the page loads, it keeps working.
How much text can I process at once?
There is no fixed limit. Because the work happens on your own device rather than on a shared server, the practical ceiling is your machine's memory, which comfortably handles inputs far larger than typical online tools allow.
Do I need to sign up or install anything?
Nothing to install and no account needed. Open the page in any up-to-date browser, including on a phone or tablet, and the tool is ready.
How do I use the result?
The output panel has a one-click copy button, and you can keep refining the input while you work; the result updates in place as you type.