Traditional-Simplified Chinese Converter
Convert text between Traditional and Simplified Chinese
Usage Instructions
GBK BIG5 Converter: Chinese Encoding Conversion Tool
What is GBK and BIG5 Encoding?
GBK and BIG5 are character encoding systems for Chinese text. GBK (Guojia Biaozhun Kuozhan) is used for Simplified Chinese, primarily in mainland China. BIG5 is the standard for Traditional Chinese, common in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau. Converting between these encodings is essential for cross-regional communication and document compatibility.
Understanding Chinese Character Encodings
Three main encoding systems handle Chinese characters:
- GBK (Simplified Chinese)
Extension of GB2312, supports 21,886 characters including all Simplified Chinese characters. Standard in mainland China for documents, websites, and software.
- BIG5 (Traditional Chinese)
Covers 13,060 Traditional Chinese characters. Widely used in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau for official documents and publications.
- UTF-8 (Universal)
Modern Unicode standard supporting all Chinese characters (Simplified and Traditional) plus all global languages. Recommended for new projects.
When to Use Encoding Conversion
GBK-BIG5 conversion is necessary in various scenarios:
- Cross-Regional Communication: Sharing documents between mainland China and Taiwan/Hong Kong offices
- Legacy System Migration: Converting old BIG5 databases to modern UTF-8 or GBK systems
- Website Localization: Adapting content for different Chinese-speaking markets
- Data Import/Export: Ensuring compatibility when transferring files between different regional systems
- Publishing & Translation: Converting manuscripts between Simplified and Traditional Chinese formats
How to Use the Converter
Our tool makes encoding conversion simple:
- Paste Text: Enter or paste Chinese text into the input field
- Select Conversion: Choose direction - GBK to BIG5 (Simplified to Traditional) or BIG5 to GBK (Traditional to Simplified)
- Convert & Copy: Click convert button and copy the result with one click
Best Practices for Chinese Encoding
- Always backup original files before conversion, especially for important documents or databases
- Use UTF-8 encoding for new projects - it supports both Simplified and Traditional Chinese without conversion
- Test converted content with native speakers - some character mappings may need manual review for context
- Check for special characters and symbols - some may not have direct equivalents in target encoding
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