PDF to HTML Conversion

PDF to HTML Conversion: All It Takes is the Right Tool

It’s rather easy to turn a web page into a PDF file. You have the option of using a PDF printer to do just that, however, using a PDF software application will allow you to create a better looking, presentable document.

But what if someone wanted to reverse that process? Is it possible to take an existing PDF document and convert it into a web page? The answer is yes. Using the right PDF software allows you to turn a file into the hypertext markup language, or HTML. So why would you want to do this?

Reasons to turn a PDF file into HTML

In most cases, it’s best if you hire a professional web designer to build the web site for your organization. Converting PDF to HTML isn’t the ideal method for establishing a strong web presence. However, there are times when a quick conversion might be the best answer. For instance:

• You need to turn a PDF brochure into a one-page web site in a hurry
• You want to turn an existing marketing document or advertisement into an HTML email
• You want to make your content available in multiple formats

Of course, using PDF software to convert a file into HTML also makes sense if you don’t have the design or development skills to create a web site as well. After all, it’s much easier to click a few buttons than it is to learn a markup language.

How can I do it?

Using a PDF Editor such as Foxit PhantomPDF, all matters of PDF-to-HTML conversion are handled for you.

To create an HTML file from a PDF document, you simply open the document and either select FILE > Export or click on the CONVERT tab.

After you choose either option, PhantomPDF will ask you which type of file format you wish to convert your document into. To create a web page, select HTML and choose the location where you wish to save it. Et voila! PDF to HTML.

Things to consider

Turning a PDF document into an HTML file doesn’t produce the cleanest code. While this file will likely work on most browsers, you may need to clean up parts of it and validate the file to ensure everything is correct. W3C provides a markup validator that will allow you to check your file for common errors.

Another thing to consider is that if you’re creating an HTML file to use as an email, many email clients are picky about the code. If something isn’t quite right, it’ll display the email client’s defaults, taking the style and formatting out of your message.

To help prevent this from happening, run your HTML through an inliner such as the one offered by Zurb. This helps ensure that your HTML will display properly in many of the popular email clients.

While converting a PDF file to HTML may not be the ideal method of creating web ready files, there may be cases when you need to rely on this capability. Ensuring that your PDF software contains all of the features you may need to use should be one of the most important factors when you, or your organization, is looking to purchase an enterprise ready PDF solution.