What HTML redirection does
HTML redirection generates simple HTML code snippets designed to redirect a user's browser from one web address to another. Users input the destination URL, and the tool outputs the necessary meta refresh tag or standard anchor redirect code required for implementation on a webpage. This process allows developers to control navigation flow directly within the source code of an existing website, ensuring that visitors land exactly where intended after viewing the page containing the redirection script. The RapidTables version provides clear, copy-ready examples that demonstrate both the meta refresh tag in the head section and a fallback anchor link in the body, making it easy to implement redirects without server-side languages like PHP.
How to use the RapidTables HTML redirection
- 1
Enter the original source URL into the tool's source address field
- 2
Enter the desired destination URL into the tool's destination field
- 3
Click the generate button to produce the HTML redirect code
- 4
Copy the outputted meta refresh tag and anchor link code
- 5
Paste the generated code into the head and body sections of your target webpage
Best for
Developers building or maintaining websites who need a quick, client-side redirect solution without requiring server access or PHP configuration.
Limitations
- Meta refresh redirects are client-side and not true 301 permanent redirects
- Google treats zero-second meta refresh as a hint rather than a guaranteed redirect
- Not suitable for SEO-critical permanent URL migrations requiring server-level 301 status
HTML redirection FAQ
- Does the HTML meta refresh redirect work as a permanent 301 redirect?
- No, the HTML meta refresh is a client-side redirect and not a true 301 permanent redirect. Google considers a zero-second interval as a hint for PageRank transfer, but it does not guarantee permanent status like a server-side 301 redirect would.
- Can I use this tool to redirect from an old HTML page to a new one?
- Yes, the tool generates the necessary meta refresh tag in the head section and a fallback anchor link in the body, allowing visitors to navigate to the new page URL even if the automatic redirect fails.
- What is the difference between the meta refresh and the canonical link tag for redirection?
- The meta refresh actively redirects users and search engines to a new URL, while the canonical link tag does not redirect; it simply tells search engines which URL is the preferred version when multiple pages have similar content.
- Is PHP required to perform a permanent 301 redirect using this tool?
- Yes, if you need a real 301 permanent redirect, you must enable PHP code in your HTML files, as the HTML meta refresh alone cannot achieve permanent server-level status.