3 Ways To Convert PDF to HTML

PDFs and HTML code don’t always work together smoothly. A PDF file to HTML conversion can get messy because PDFs are designed to look the same everywhere, while HTML adapts to different screens and browsers. That’s why fonts, images, and layouts don’t always come through perfectly.

A simple text-based PDF usually converts well, but anything with tables, columns, or special formatting can cause problems. Some tools handle these challenges better than others, and a little manual cleanup can go a long way in improving the final result.

Convert PDF to Word With Smallpdf, Then Save as HTML

If you want something quick and easy, using Smallpdf to convert a PDF to Word first is a great option. This method works best for PDFs that are mostly text and don’t have complex layouts or lots of images.

1. Upload your document to Smallpdf’s PDF to Word converter.
2. Wait a few seconds for the file to convert, then download it as a Word document.
3. Open the document in Microsoft Word.
4. Click File > Save a Copy and choose Web Page (.htm) as the file type.

This approach is great when you need a fast, no-fuss solution. It’s especially handy for sharing content online or making quick edits without dealing with complicated software. If you're working with a simple text-based PDF, this method will likely do the trick in seconds.

And even if the results aren’t perfect, it’s often a good starting point—convert first, then make small tweaks if needed.

Convert PDF to HTML Using Calibre

Calibre is an e-book management tool that makes a great sidekick for your Kindle, but it’s surprisingly good at converting PDFs to HTML too. Especially when dealing with text-heavy documents; think bulky PDF manuals and reports that read more like a book from the non-fiction section.

1. Download and install Calibre.
2. Open the app and click Add books to import your PDF.
3. Select your PDF and click Convert books in the toolbar.
4. Choose HTMLZ as the output format and start the conversion.
5. Once done, extract the HTML file from the HTMLZ archive using a tool like WinRAR or 7-Zip.

When you unzip the converted file, you’ll notice it’s not just a single HTML document. Calibre creates a structured folder that includes:

• An HTML file containing the main text.
• A stylesheet (CSS file) to handle basic formatting.
• A folder of images, which holds any visuals extracted from the PDF.
• A cover image, if your PDF was originally an eBook or included a front page.
• An OPF file, which is mainly used for organizing eBooks but isn’t needed for basic HTML use.

If you’re sharing the HTML file with someone via email, you might need to send them the main folder and all its contents. If your plan is to turn it into a webpage, you will need to get your hands dirty modifying the source code using an HTML editor.

Calibre is a great choice for converting reports, articles, or eBooks into HTML, but if you're dealing with something like a PDF magazine or a layout-heavy brochure, it might not be the best fit. Complex elements like columns, custom fonts, or tightly arranged images don’t always come through the way they should. But if your main goal is to pull the text into a workable HTML format, Calibre makes that part easy.

Using LibreOffice for a PDF to HTML Conversion

LibreOffice is another great free tool that can convert a PDF file to HTML in just a few steps. It’s similar to Microsoft Office but open source (aka free!). As with the first method we talked about, start by using Smallpdf’s PDF to Word converter to save your document as a DOCX. Then:

1. Open the Word file in LibreOffice Writer.
2. Click File > Export, then choose XHTML (.html; .xhtml) as the format.

This method isn’t perfect—LibreOffice still ignores some design elements, like fancy fonts and exact positioning—but it’s a solid choice if you just need a functional HTML version with images included.

You can, of course, skip first converting the PDF to Word and just open the original document in LibreOffice, then export it as an XHTML document. But you will notice the converted document will just include the text of the original PDF. All images and visual elements will be missing.

Choosing the Best PDF to HTML Solution

Because the structure and layout of PDFs can differ so greatly, there can never be a one-size-fits-all solution for converting a PDF file to HTML code. So, the best method is always going to depend on what you’re working with, and what you want from the conversion.

If you need something quick and easy, Smallpdf’s PDF to Word method is the fastest way to get the job done. For text-heavy and multi-page PDFs, Calibre is a great option. And if you don't have Word, LibreOffice offers a straightforward way to export to HTML without having to spend a dime. Other free options that would give similar results include Google Docs, or Pages on macOS. Experiment with all the above solutions to find which works best for you, but don't be afraid of switching occasionally for different results.

Adjusting spacing, inserting images, or cleaning up the code; a little fine-tuning can make all the difference. If your converted file isn’t quite right, there are ways to refine it for a cleaner, more polished look.