HTML files are used to create web pages, and they're relatively easy to understand.
HTML files are plain text files, which means they can be opened and edited with any text editor.
If you've ever seen a web page's source code, you've seen an HTML file in action.
HTML files are made up of a series of elements, which are represented by tags.
File Format Structure
An HTML file is composed of three main parts.
The first part is the HTML version information, which is defined by a line such as DOCTYPE HTML, indicating that the code is of HTML5 version.
The second part is the header section, where declarations are written.
The third part is the body section, where the web page information is written.
Consider reading: Creating Simple Html to Extract Information from Xml File
Structure and Organization
An HTML file is composed of three main parts: HTML version information in a line, a header section for declarations, and a body section where the web page information is written. The HTML version information is typically defined by a line like "DOCTYPE HTML" which indicates that the code is of HTML5 version.
The header section is where you'll find declarations, and it's an essential part of an HTML file. In fact, it's the first section of an HTML file.
The body section is where the web page information is written, and it's where the magic happens. This is where you'll find the actual content of the web page, including text, images, and other media.
An HTML file can be identified by its filename extension, which can be either "html" or "htm". In fact, there are several file type signifiers and format identifiers that can be used to identify an HTML file, including the Internet Media Type "text/html" and the Mac OS file type "TEXT".
Here's a summary of the file type signifiers and format identifiers for HTML files:
Overall, understanding the structure and organization of an HTML file is crucial for working with web development and design.
All File Formats by Extension
Did you know that the same file extension can be used for different types of data? For example, the .HTML file extension is used for five different file formats.
Readers also liked: Html File Extension
One of these formats is the HyperText Markup Language Document, which is a popular type of HTML file.
The .HTML file extension is also used for Expression Media Template, a format used by some software.
Here's a list of some of the different file formats that use the .HTML file extension:
- Expression Media Template
- HyperText Markup Language Document
- IBrowse Hotlist / Bookmark
- Netscape Bookmark-file-1 Format
- Stylus Labs Write Document
We've also learned that some software uses the .HTML file extension for IBrowse Hotlist / Bookmark files, but we don't know much about what these files contain or how they're used.
Working with Files
To start working with HTML files, you need to understand what they are. HTML stands for Hypertext Markup Language, and HTML files are text files that represent the content and layout of a web page.
You can use any text editor to read an HTML file, but to see what the program looks like, you need to run it on a web browser. Notepad, TextEdit, or any specialized HTML editor will do the job.
To create a new HTML file, write or copy HTML into a basic text editor like Notepad or TextEdit. Save the file as your-file.html, making sure to change the "Save as type" to "All files" if needed.
Here's a step-by-step guide to saving an HTML file:
- Change the "Save as type" to "All files" if needed.
- Save the file as your-file.html.
To run an HTML file, you need to have a browser installed on your computer. If you're using Windows, run a file search on your computer and type your-file.html into the search box at the bottom of the Start menu.
You can also right-click the file and select "Open with" from the action menu to choose between any of the browsers installed on your computer. Your computer's default browser will top the list.
Here's a step-by-step guide to running an HTML file:
- Find the saved file using a file search on your computer.
- Right-click the file and select "Open with" from the action menu.
- Choose a browser to open the file.
File Identification and Conversion
File identification is a crucial aspect of working with HTML files. The file type signifiers and format identifiers for HTML files include the filename extension, which can be either "html" or "htm".
The Internet Media Type for HTML files is "text/html". You can verify this by checking the IANA website. The Mac OS file type for HTML files is "TEXT".
Here is a list of file type signifiers and format identifiers for HTML files:
Converting HTML files to other formats is also possible, but it's not always recommended. For instance, you can convert an HTML file to a PDF or image file using tools like Chrome's "Save as PDF" feature or extensions like Full Page Screen Capture.
For another approach, see: How Do You save an Html File as a Pdf
Identification and Description
File identification is crucial in the process of file conversion. Identifying the type of file you're working with will help you determine the best conversion method.
There are several types of files, including image, audio, and video files. Each type of file has its own unique characteristics.
The file extension is often the easiest way to identify a file's type. For example, a JPEG file typically has a .jpg or .jpeg extension.
Explore further: What Type of Energy Is a Fan?
Knowing the file's format is essential for selecting the right conversion software. Some software is designed specifically for converting certain types of files.
File formats can be either proprietary or open. Proprietary formats are owned by a single company, while open formats are free for anyone to use.
Converting a file can be a complex process, but understanding the file's format and type can make it easier.
File Conversion
Converting HTM and HTML files can be a bit tricky, but it's doable if you know what you're doing.
HTM files have very specific syntax, and converting them to another format can result in lost functionality.
You can convert an HTM or HTML file to a PDF in Chrome by choosing "Save as PDF" from the print options.
A free file converter like FileZigZag can also be used to convert an HTM or HTML file to various text file formats, such as RTF, EPS, and CSV.
Keep in mind that you can't convert an HTM/HTML file to a non-text file format, like an MP3 audio file.
Using a website like iWeb2Shot or Web-capture can convert an HTM or HTML file to an image file, like a PNG.
Take a look at this: Convert an Html File to Pdf
File Type Signifiers and Format Identifiers
File Type Signifiers and Format Identifiers can be a bit tricky to wrap your head around, but don't worry, I've got the lowdown.
The most common filename extension for HTML files is .html or .htm. If you're not sure which one to use, just remember that both are acceptable.
Some tools can identify an HTML file by looking for specific sequences of bytes, but it's worth noting that no sequence can uniquely identify an HTML document. It's like trying to find a needle in a haystack!
If you're working on a Mac, the Mac OS file type for HTML files is TEXT.
PRONOM, a database of file formats, doesn't have a record for the entire HTML format family, but it does have records for different chronological versions of HTML. If you're interested in learning more, you can check out the PRONOM website.
Here's a rundown of some common file type signifiers and format identifiers for HTML files:
Frequently Asked Questions
What format is HTML?
HTML is a text-based markup language used to structure content on the web. It's a simple yet powerful format that tells web browsers how to display multimedia elements.
Sources
- HTML File Format | .html Extension (geeksforgeeks.org)
- Bitberry File Opener (bitberry.com)
- 1992 description of HTML tags (cern.ch)
- ISO 8879:1986 (SGML) (iso.org)
- the History clause (w3.org)
- 2004 position paper from the Mozilla Foundation and Opera Software (w3.org)
- WHATWG (whatwg.org)
- HTML 4.01 (w3.org)
- HTML 4.0 (w3.org)
- HTML 3.2 Reference Specification (w3.org)
- RFC 1866: Hypertext Markup Language 2.0 (ietf.org)
- Tim Berners-Lee (w3.org)
- Encrypted Media Extensions (w3.org)
- HTML and fuzzy validity (garymcgath.com)
- 3.2.4.2.1 Metadata content in HTML 5.2 (w3.org)
- MetaExtensions (whatwg.org)
- World Wide Web Technology Surveys (w3techs.com)
- Wikipedia List of HTML Editors (wikipedia.org)
- https://caniuse.com/#search=audio (caniuse.com)
- WHATWG Living Standard for HTML (whatwg.org)
- clause 4.7.17. MathML (w3.org)
- RFC 1942 (ietf.org)
- HTML 2.0, RFC 1866 (ietf.org)
- proposed in October 1994 by Håkon Lie (w3.org)
- RFC 2070: HTML Internationalization (ietf.org)
- https://www.iana.org/assignments/media-types/text/html (iana.org)
- HTML 4.0 (December 1997, revised April 1998) | HTML 4.0 Specification (w3.org)
- Wikipedia entry for XHTML (wikipedia.org)
- Archive Team page for HTML (archiveteam.org)
- Wikipedia entry for HTML (wikipedia.org)
- How to Run a HTML File: 12 Steps (with Pictures) (wikihow.com)
- FileZigZag (filezigzag.com)
- Bluefish (openoffice.nl)
- Web-capture (web-capture.net)
- 7-Zip (7-zip.org)
- Calibre (calibre-ebook.com)
- TextMate (macromates.com)
Featured Images: pexels.com