Free htaccess Rewrite Rules Generator

What is the .htaccess file?

The .htaccess file is a powerful configuration file used on Apache web servers. It lets you control how your website behaves without needing to touch the main server settings. Think of it like a set of instructions for your website,  you can use it to set up redirects, block certain users, secure specific folders, or even rewrite URLs.

Even though it’s just a plain text file, .htaccess can make a big difference in how your site performs and how search engines see it. You’ll usually find it in the root directory of your website,  right where your main content lives.

Features of Our .htaccess Rewrite Rules Generator

Clean, User-Friendly Interface

No clutter, no confusion. Just a straightforward design where you enter your domain, choose your redirect type, and click a button. Whether you’re a developer or a complete beginner, you’ll feel right at home.

Dropdown to Select Redirect Types

You don’t have to guess which rule you need,  just pick from the dropdown. Our tool supports the most common redirect scenarios:

• Redirect from www to non-www – Clean up duplicate URLs and keep things consistent.

• Redirect from non-www to www – Perfect for sites that prefer the www version.

• Redirect from old domain to new domain – Ideal for rebranding or migrating a site while keeping SEO intact.

Instant Code Generation with One-Click Copy

Once you enter your domain and select your redirect type, the tool instantly generates the correct .htaccess code. Click “Copy to Clipboard,” and you’re ready to paste it into your server — no manual editing required.

Automatic Escape Handling for Domains

When it comes to writing .htaccess rules, certain domain formats,  like .co.uk or .org.in can cause issues if not written correctly. That’s because special characters like dots (.) have different meanings in regular expressions, which are used in rewrite rules.

In plain terms:
A dot in .htaccess doesn’t just mean “a dot”  it means “any character,” unless it’s properly escaped with a backslash (\.).

✅ That’s where our tool helps.
You don’t have to manually edit or guess where to add slashes. Our generator automatically escapes domain names for you, so:

• example.co.uk becomes example\.co\.uk

• my-site.org.in becomes my\-site\.org\.in

This prevents syntax errors and ensures your redirects work perfectly the first time,  even with tricky domain formats. No debugging, no broken rules, just clean and accurate code every time.

With these features, our Free .htaccess Rewrite Rules Generator saves time, avoids common mistakes, and makes redirect setup as easy as filling out a form.

How Our Tool Works (Step-by-Step Guide)

You don’t need to be a developer to use our free .htaccess Rewrite Rules Generator. We’ve designed it to be simple, fast, and beginner-friendly. Here’s how it works in five easy steps:

1️⃣ Enter Your Domain

Start by typing in your current domain name,  for example, yourdomain.com.
Make sure to exclude http:// or https:// the tool only needs the domain itself.

2️⃣ Choose Your Redirect Type

From the dropdown menu, select the type of redirect you need:

• www to non-www (e.g., www.example.com → example.com)

• non-www to www (e.g., example.com → www.example.com)

• Old domain to new domain (e.g., oldsite.com → newsite.com)

Each option is clearly labeled so you can pick the one that fits your situation.

3️⃣ Click “Generate”

With one click, your custom .htaccess code is generated instantly. It’s formatted, accurate, and ready to use , no coding skills required.

4️⃣ Copy the Code into Your .htaccess File

Use the “Copy to Clipboard” button to grab your code, then paste it into the .htaccess file in your website’s root directory (usually /public_html/ or /www/).

That’s it,  your redirect is now ready to go live. Simple, quick, and error-free .I’ve personally used this tool to migrate several client domains, and each time the redirects worked flawlessly,  no broken links, no SEO drops.

Most Common Redirect Types Explained

Redirects aren’t just about sending traffic from one URL to another, they’re about keeping your website clean, consistent, and SEO-friendly. The Apache HTTP Server Documentation explains how URL rewriting can be used to maintain consistent URLs and improve user experience.Below are the most common redirect types, explained in simple terms so you know exactly when and why to use each one.

1. SEO Benefits:
Search engines don’t like duplicate content. If your website works with both www and non-www, it can confuse search bots and split your ranking power. Rewrite rules help fix that by redirecting all versions of your site to one preferred version (known as a canonical URL). This keeps your SEO strong and consistent.

2. Smooth Redirects:
Let’s say you change your domain name or restructure your site,  rewrite rules help you redirect old URLs to new ones without breaking links. This is crucial for user experience and search engine trust.

3. Enhanced Security:
You can use rewrite rules to restrict access to sensitive files, enforce HTTPS connections, or block suspicious traffic. It’s an easy way to add a layer of protection without installing extra plugins.

4. Better User Experience:
No one likes broken pages or confusing URLs. Redirect rules help users land exactly where they’re supposed to, even if a page has moved. That means fewer errors and happier visitors.

In short, .htaccess rewrite rules are your behind-the-scenes tool for a safer, smarter, and more search-friendly website.

Why Choose Our Generator Over Others