# Character encoding declaration

Markup near the start of a document that declares its text encoding as UTF-8.

## What is **Character encoding declaration**?

**Character encoding declaration** — Markup near the start of a document that declares its text encoding as UTF-8.

```html
<meta charset="utf-8">
```

Level: Journeyman · [More HTML terms at this level](https://www.ask-codey.com/glossary/subjects/html/journeyman)

Updated: September 27, 2026

Source: https://www.ask-codey.com/glossary/character-encoding-declaration