How do PDF and HTMLcompare? Here's everything you need to know to choose the right format — and how to convert between them.
Portable Document Format
PDF is the universal standard for sharing documents. It preserves formatting, fonts, and layout across all devices and operating systems. From contracts to resumes, PDF is the format the world relies on.
HyperText Markup Language
HTML is the standard markup language for creating web pages. While primarily a web technology, HTML files are also used as a portable document format with rich formatting and multimedia support.
| Specification | HTML | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Portable Document Format | HyperText Markup Language |
| Extension | .html | |
| MIME type | application/pdf | text/html |
| Category | Document | Document |
| Developer | Adobe Systems | W3C / WHATWG |
| Year introduced | 1993 | 1993 |
PDF and HTML serve different purposes. PDF is ideal for business documents and contracts, while HTML excels at web pages and email newsletters.
Need to switch formats? Convert for free with SquishConvert.