Convert Word DOCX to HTML online for free

1. Upload a DOCX document by clicking the blue Upload button or simply drag and drop your document into the white area above. 
2. Once your document has been converted you can:
   • preview it in a new browser tab
   • download it as a file (it can be either an HTML file if your document does not have any images or a ZIP file with all the images in it)
   • edit converted HTML in the Visual Editor
   • delete the converted file yourself otherwise our website will do it after 24h

In addition to converting DOCX documents to HTML, WordToHTML.net also supports the conversion of other file formats such as PDF, WORD DOC, RTF, ODT, HTML and TXT. This makes it a versatile tool that can be used for a variety of conversion needs.

When you convert a Word document or PDF in our app, you have the option to output it using Preserve Layout. This guide explains what this format is, when to use it, and how it benefits you.

Quick Summary

The Preserve Layout option turns your documents into web pages (HTML) that look exactly like your original file. No shifted text, no missing fonts, and no broken designs.

What is "Preserve Layout"?

Standard web pages are fluid. They stretch, shrink, and change depending on your screen size.

When you choose Preserve Layout, the app locks every single element—images, text boxes, shapes, and margins—into an exact position. It acts like a digital blueprint. Think of it as a PDF that opens instantly in any web browser without needing a PDF reader.

Key Benefits

• Flawless Design: Your document looks identical on all browsers and devices.
• No Software Needed: Anyone can view your file instantly on a phone, tablet, or computer.
• Fonts Stay Put: Even if a viewer does not have your document's fonts installed, the text displays correctly.

Good to Know: Editing and File Structure

To keep your design perfectly intact, our app writes highly detailed, precise code behind the scenes.

• Great for Viewing: This complex structure is ideal for flawless presentation.
• Not for Heavy Editing: Because the code is so precise, making major content changes or rewriting paragraphs later in an HTML editor can be difficult.
• Tip: Always keep your original Word or PDF file if you plan to make large text changes later.

Preserve Layout vs. Standard HTML

Use this comparison chart to help you choose the right format for your needs:

🛠️ For Technical Users: Under the Hood

If you understand web development, here is how our conversion engine handles your Word and PDF files when you select Preserve Layout:

• Absolute Positioning: Elements are styled using explicit CSS coordinates (top, left, width, height) to prevent responsive shifting.
• Font Embedding: Fonts are converted and embedded directly into the file (or referenced via web fonts) to ensure cross-platform visual consistency.
• Inline Elements: Text blocks are often segmented into specific visual spans to preserve exact tracking, kerning, and line breaks.

What "Embed images" option means?

When you convert a document to HTML, you have the option to check the box for Embed images. This guide explains what this setting does, when you should use it, and how it simplifies your file management.

Quick Summary

Turning the Embed images option ON bakes your images directly into the HTML code itself. Instead of downloading a ZIP folder full of separate image files, you get one single, self-contained HTML file that displays perfectly anywhere. 

How It Works

Normally, web pages load images using external file links. If you convert a PDF with images, our system usually packages everything into a ZIP file. You have to extract the ZIP and keep the images and the HTML file together in the same folder. If you move or email just the HTML file, the images will break. 

When you enable Embed images, the converter turns your images into a special text code (called Base64) and injects it straight into the document. Think of it like printing photos directly onto a page instead of attaching them with a paperclip.

Key Benefits

• Single File Convenience: You only have to manage, download, or upload one single HTML file.
   
• Perfect for Emailing: You can email the HTML file directly without worrying about broken image links.
   
• Works Offline: The converted document opens and displays all images perfectly without an internet connection.
   
• No ZIP Extraction: You bypass the hassle of downloading and unzipping folders. 

Embedded Images vs. Standard Images (Linked)

Use this comparison chart to help you choose the right setting for your conversion:

When should you turn this option ON?

• Turn it ON if: You need a single file that is easy to distribute, view offline, or attach to an email template.
   
• Leave it OFF if: Your document contains dozens of heavy, high-resolution photographs. Because embedding turns pictures into text code, massive images will significantly inflate the HTML file size and make it slow to open.