Converting Microsoft Word documents to HTML can be a handy skill, especially if you’re looking to publish content on the web. In essence, it’s about transforming your Word document into a web-friendly format that can be easily read and shared online. By following a few simple steps, you can make this conversion quickly and without any technical hiccups.
Step by Step Tutorial on How to Convert Microsoft Word to HTML
Before diving into the steps, let’s understand what we’re about to do. Converting a Microsoft Word document to HTML will allow you to display the content of your document on a webpage. This process is useful for those who want to share their documents online while maintaining the formatting and structure of the original Word file.
Step 1: Open Your Microsoft Word Document
Open the Microsoft Word document you wish to convert to HTML.
Opening your document is the first and perhaps the most straightforward step. Ensure that you have your document ready and open it using Microsoft Word. If the document is in a different format, make sure to convert it to a Word document (.doc or .docx) first.
Step 2: Save the Document as an HTML File
Go to ‘File’, click on ‘Save As’, and select ‘Web Page’ or ‘Web Page, Filtered’ from the file type options.
When you click on ‘Save As’, a dialog box will appear. From the ‘Save as type’ drop-down menu, you’ll have two HTML options: ‘Web Page’ and ‘Web Page, Filtered’. Choose ‘Web Page’ if you want to keep all Word formatting, such as fonts and styles. Opt for ‘Web Page, Filtered’ if you prefer a cleaner code, stripped of Microsoft-specific tags, which might be more compatible with different web browsers.
Step 3: Choose a Location to Save the HTML File
Select the location on your computer where you want to save the new HTML file.
This step is about organizing your files. Think about where you want your new HTML file to be saved. You might want to create a new folder if you’re working on a project that will include multiple files.
Step 4: Name Your HTML File
Enter a name for the HTML file in the ‘File name’ field.
This is your chance to name your file something meaningful. Remember that the file name will become part of the URL if you upload the HTML to a website, so keep it simple, relevant, and free of spaces or special characters.
Step 5: Finish the Conversion Process
Click ‘Save’ to complete the conversion from Word to HTML.
After you click ‘Save’, Word will convert your document to an HTML file. Depending on the complexity of your Word document, this might take a few seconds. Once the process is complete, you can find your new HTML file in the location you chose.
After completing these steps, you’ll have an HTML file that you can upload to your website or share online. This file will retain the formatting and structure of your original Word document, which means that your headings, paragraphs, lists, and tables will look the same on the web as they do in Word.
Tips for Converting Microsoft Word to HTML
- Use ‘Web Page, Filtered’ to get cleaner HTML code that’s more universally compatible with web browsers.
- If your Word document contains images, make sure they’re properly linked or embedded so they appear correctly in the HTML.
- Preview your HTML file in different browsers to ensure it looks correct across all platforms.
- Validate your HTML using online validators to ensure there are no errors in the code.
- Keep a backup of your original Word document in case you need to make changes and reconvert to HTML.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between ‘Web Page’ and ‘Web Page, Filtered’?
‘Web Page’ includes all Word formatting and Microsoft-specific HTML tags, while ‘Web Page, Filtered’ strips out these tags for cleaner code.
Can I convert a Word document with images to HTML?
Yes, you can. Make sure the images are either embedded or linked correctly in the Word document before converting.
Will my HTML file be mobile-friendly?
It depends on the original Word document’s formatting. You might need to adjust the HTML code for better mobile responsiveness.
Can I edit the HTML file after converting it from Word?
Absolutely! You can edit the HTML file using any text editor or HTML editor of your choice.
How do I ensure my HTML file is accessible?
Use proper HTML semantic tags and follow web accessibility guidelines when formatting your Word document before conversion.
Summary
- Open your Microsoft Word document.
- Save the document as an HTML file.
- Choose a location to save the HTML file.
- Name your HTML file.
- Finish the conversion process by clicking ‘Save’.
Conclusion
Converting Microsoft Word documents to HTML can seem intimidating, but it’s actually a pretty straightforward process. Whether you’re looking to share your work on a blog, create an email template, or publish an online article, knowing how to convert Word to HTML is an essential skill for content creators and web developers alike.
By going through the steps outlined above, you’re now equipped to take any Word document and turn it into a web-ready HTML file. Remember to use the tips provided to ensure your code is clean and compatible with various web browsers. And if you run into trouble, refer back to the frequently asked questions for additional guidance.
In the ever-evolving world of technology, it’s important to stay adaptable and keep your skills sharp. So, go ahead and give it a try—convert your first Word document to HTML today and see how it transforms your content for the digital age. With a bit of practice, you’ll be converting documents like a pro in no time!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.