Compare
HTML vs CSS
HTML defines a web page’s structure and content; CSS controls its presentation and layout. They are complementary, not competing formats.
Which format should you choose?
Use HTML for headings, paragraphs, links, and document meaning; use CSS for colors, typography, spacing, and layout. Keeping the roles separate makes content and design easier to maintain.
Good fit for HTML
Building web-page structure and content
- Semantic headings, paragraphs, and links
Good fit for CSS
Style HTML and other supported documents
- Shared colors, type, spacing, and layouts
Basic information
| Field | HTML | CSS |
|---|---|---|
| Extension | .html, .htm | .css |
| MIME type | text/html | text/css |
| Common uses | Building web-page structure and content | Style HTML and other supported documents |
| How to open | Open it in a browser or text editor. Check it in the target browsers before publishing. | Edit as text and preview it with the associated HTML in target browsers and screen sizes. |
| Export or convert | You can export HTML to PDF when appropriate, but links and dynamic features may not remain equivalent. | CSS alone is not a standalone document; when exporting HTML to PDF or another format, inspect the resulting layout and missing styles. |
Choose by use case
Semantic headings, paragraphs, and links
Building web-page structure and content
HTMLShared colors, type, spacing, and layouts
Style HTML and other supported documents
CSSKey point 1
HTML expresses document structure and meaning.
More on the differencesKey point 2
CSS provides presentation rules for HTML and other documents.
More on the differencesFrequently asked questions
Can CSS replace HTML?
No. CSS controls presentation; a page normally needs HTML or another document structure.