Displaying HTML with Blade shows the HTML code

Distinguishing escape methods in Blade

Understanding how Blade treats escaped versus unescaped output is a fundamental aspect of utilizing this powerful templating engine effectively and safely.

Code syntax for HTML output

{{ $value }} - Safe rendering: HTML characters either displayed as literals or converted to HTML entities (i.e., < becomes <). Shields against uncontrolled HTML rendering.

{!! $trustedValue !!} - Raw output: Displays HTML as it is (<p>Hello</p>). Reserved for controlled HTML rendering only— used for trusted HTML to prevent XSS vulnerabilities.

HTML entity conversion

When storing text as HTML entities, convert entities back to HTML characters with:

// Who you gonna call for entity conversion? -- html_entity_decode()!
{!! html_entity_decode($text) !!}
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Rendering HTML outside Blade

In a non-Blade environment, use the native PHP command echo to render HTML. But within a Blade file, stick to either {!! !!} or {{ }} syntax for both consistency and security.

Advanced Blade rendering: Htmlable and HtmlString

Laravel provides some handy tools that let Blade render HTML directly, without the need for the {!! !!} syntax.

Object rendering with Htmlable

If you have objects that contain HTML you want to render, they can implement Php's Htmlable interface and directly render HTML.

class UserWelcome implements \Illuminate\Contracts\Support\Htmlable {
    public function toHtml() {
        // Willkommen, bienvenue, welcome! In any language, it's a warm welcome
        return '<h1>Welcome, User!</h1>';
    }
}
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The HtmlString to the rescue

You can also use Laravel's HtmlString class to handle properties containing HTML content.

// Let's insert an interesting HTML Content. Brace yourself, HtmlString is coming!
return new \Illuminate\Support\HtmlString($htmlContent);
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This wraps the HTML content within HtmlString, ensuring its safe rendering by Blade without escaping.

Common Missteps: Using {!! !!} Responsibly

While {!! !!} is powerful, like any superhero power, it can either save the day or create havoc. Here's how to use this power wisely:

• XSS Dangers: Raw HTML rendering can invite cross-site scripting attacks.
• Cleanup before Deployment: Always sanitize data before rendering it as raw HTML.
• Laracasts and Laravel News: Stay up-to-date with best practices from respected Laravel community resources like Laracasts and Laravel News

Optimal HTML Handling Strategies

Prioritize safety

Whatever feature Blade offers, let security be your guiding star. Before using {!! !!}, ensure the content is safe and trusted to render as HTML.

Use HtmlString for complex content

When dealing with expected HTML content in classes or methods, return HtmlString instances to let Blade know this is bona fide HTML and render it without unnecessary escaping.

Stay updated with Laravel

Laravel continuously evolves, offering better features and security enhancements. Refer to the upgrade guide to stay current with your Blade templating practices.