What is .html?

.html (HyperText Markup Language) is the standard markup language used to structure content on the web. HTML files define the layout, text, images, and interactive elements of web pages, and are interpreted directly by web browsers.

This quick guide explains when to use .html files, how to open them on any device, and how to share them instantly with FileXhost.

When to use .html files

You are building a website, landing page, portfolio, or documentation page.
You want a static, client-side experience that runs entirely in the browser.
You are prototyping UI or sharing a single-page app without deploying a full backend.
You want to host a standalone HTML export from design or documentation tools.

How to open .html files

HTML files open natively in every web browser. Double-clicking an .html file will usually launch it in your default browser. You can also upload .html files to FileXhost to turn them into live, shareable static sites with their own clean URL and instant subdomain.

Algorithm details

HTML is a text-based markup language composed of nested tags (elements) that describe document structure (headings, paragraphs, lists), semantics (articles, navigation, sections), and embedded resources (images, scripts, styles). Browsers parse HTML into a DOM (Document Object Model), which JavaScript and CSS can manipulate to create interactive experiences.

Browser & platform support

Desktop: Fully supported by 100% of modern browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge, Opera).
Mobile: Fully supported on iOS and Android browsers.
OS: Universally supported on all operating systems via bundled or downloadable browsers.

Format comparison

Feature	Details
Purpose	Defines structure and content of web pages, unlike formats such as PDF or DOCX, which focus on fixed-layout documents.
Interactivity	Combined with CSS and JavaScript, enables rich, interactive applications.
Portability	Runs in any modern browser without additional plugins or viewers.
Hosting	Extremely lightweight—simple HTML pages can be hosted as static files without servers or databases.

How to create html files

Code Editors: VS Code, WebStorm, Sublime Text, Notepad++.
Static Site Generators: Next.js exports, Astro, Hugo, Jekyll (build to HTML).
Design/Docs Tools: Figma, Notion, and others can export content as HTML.
Browser DevTools: Save or edit HTML directly from the browser for prototypes.

How to convert html files

FileXhost: Upload HTML files to host them as live static sites with instant URLs.
Static Site Generators: Convert markdown or templates into HTML outputs.
Exporters: Many document and presentation tools export to HTML for web sharing.

Advantages & disadvantages

Advantages

Native language of the web—runs everywhere without extra software
Perfect for static hosting and fast, low-maintenance sites
Human-readable and easy to version control
Works seamlessly with CSS and JavaScript for rich experiences

Disadvantages

Source is editable by viewers (client-side only); security must be handled carefully in scripts
Dynamic features require JavaScript or backend APIs
Complex layouts can become hard to maintain without frameworks or components

Tools & software

Editors

VS Code, WebStorm, Sublime Text, Atom, Notepad++

Browsers

Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge, Opera, mobile browsers

Frameworks

React, Vue, Svelte, Next.js (all ultimately render HTML)

Frequently asked questions

How do I host an HTML file as a website?

You can upload a single HTML file (and any related assets) to a static hosting service like FileXhost. FileXhost serves your HTML at a clean URL with an instant subdomain, so your page is live without configuring servers or DNS.

What is the difference between .htm and .html?

There is no practical difference today. .htm is a legacy three-letter extension from older operating systems. Both extensions are treated identically by browsers.

Can HTML files contain JavaScript and CSS?

Yes. HTML can include inline <script> and <style> blocks, or link to external .js and .css files. Browsers load and execute these to style the page and add interactivity.

Is HTML a programming language?

HTML is a markup language, not a programming language. It describes structure and semantics. Programming logic is usually handled by JavaScript on the client or other languages on the server.

Technical specs

File type: Code
Extension: .html
MIME type: text/html
Compression: Uncompressed
Max file size on FileXhost: Up to 25 MB per file on the free plan and up to 1 GB on Pro FileXhost accounts.

Upload your .html file to FileXhost to get a clean, shareable URL in seconds. View the file in a modern browser, protect access with optional settings, and let others download it without any confusing ads or cluttered file pages.

Upload .html file