Compare
DOCX vs HTML
Choose DOCX for word-processing and review; choose HTML for content displayed in a web browser.
Which format should you choose?
Use DOCX for drafting with comments and revisions. Use HTML to publish browser-based pages. Review formatting after conversion.
Good fit for DOCX
Creating editable documents
- Reports and drafts revised collaboratively
Good fit for HTML
Building web-page structure and content
- Semantic headings, paragraphs, and links
Basic information
| Field | DOCX | HTML |
|---|---|---|
| Extension | .docx | .html, .htm |
| MIME type | application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.wordprocessingml.document | text/html |
| Common uses | Creating editable documents | Building web-page structure and content |
| How to open | Open it in Microsoft Word or a DOCX-compatible word processor. For important documents, check fonts, figures, comments, and page breaks in the recipient's environment. | Open it in a browser or text editor. Check it in the target browsers before publishing. |
| Export or convert | For final distribution, export to PDF. Before and after export, check font substitution, page breaks, links, and image resolution, and retain the editable DOCX separately. | You can export HTML to PDF when appropriate, but links and dynamic features may not remain equivalent. |
Choose by use case
Reports and drafts revised collaboratively
Creating editable documents
DOCXSemantic headings, paragraphs, and links
Building web-page structure and content
HTMLKey point 1
DOCX is an editable office document; HTML describes web-page structure; their page and screen layouts behave differently.
More on the differencesMore on the differences
DOCX stores document content and formatting for office software. HTML structures web content rendered by browsers and CSS. Conversion may not preserve page layout or every style.
Frequently asked questions
Can HTML replace a DOCX document?
It can for browser-based reading, but it may not provide the same editing, comments, and revision workflow.