HTML Export
HTML export is the process of converting documentation, guides, or other content into HTML format for easy web publishing, sharing, and embedding across platforms.
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What is HTML Export?
HTML export takes your documents, training materials, or other content and converts them into HTML format. Since HTML (HyperText Markup Language) is what web browsers actually understand, exporting to this format means your content opens in any browser without needing special software. This becomes particularly useful when you want to share documentation widely or embed it into websites, intranets, and knowledge bases.
You'll find HTML export options in most documentation tools, screen recorders, and content management systems. The process takes your structured content and produces clean HTML files along with any associated assets like images or CSS stylesheets. Some tools give you a single self-contained HTML file, while others create a folder with multiple linked pages.
Why do people gravitate toward HTML export? Accessibility and portability, really. HTML files just work. They open on any device with a browser, need no proprietary software to view, and you can host them on pretty much any web server. If you need to get documentation in front of diverse audiences, HTML export removes a lot of friction. It's particularly useful when publishing to a knowledge base or content management system.
Key Characteristics of HTML Export
- Universal Compatibility: HTML files open in any web browser on any device, no special software required
- Web-Ready Output: Exported content can be immediately published to websites, intranets, or knowledge management systems
- Embeddable: HTML exports can be embedded into other web pages using iframes or by copying the code directly
- Searchable: Text in HTML files is indexable by search engines and internal search tools, making content discoverable
- Customizable Styling: Exported HTML can be modified with CSS to match brand guidelines or website themes
HTML Export Examples
Example 1: Employee Training Portal
A manufacturing company creates standard operating procedures using Glitter AI. They export each procedure as HTML and upload the files to their internal training portal. New hires can access the documentation through their browser without installing any special viewer. When a procedure needs updating, the team exports a new HTML file and swaps out the old one. Nothing complicated about it.
Example 2: Customer-Facing Knowledge Base
A SaaS company builds product documentation and how-to guides. Using HTML export, they publish these guides directly to their public help center. The HTML fits right in with their existing website design. Customers find answers through Google or the site's own search because the HTML content gets fully indexed.
HTML Export vs PDF Export
Both formats have their place, though they serve different needs.
| Aspect | HTML Export | PDF Export |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Web viewing and embedding | Print and offline reading |
| Interactivity | Supports links, videos, dynamic content | Static pages, limited interactivity |
| Accessibility | Responsive, adapts to screen size | Fixed layout, may require zooming on mobile |
| When to Use | Publishing to websites, intranets, or knowledge bases | Distributing documents for printing or formal records |
How Glitter AI Helps with HTML Export
Glitter AI keeps HTML export simple. After you record your screen and generate documentation, you can export the finished guide as clean HTML with one click. The exported files come with step-by-step instructions, screenshots, and any annotations you added.
These HTML exports are well-suited for embedding into existing systems. You can use an embed code to drop them into your company wiki, learning management system, or intranet portal. And since the output is standard HTML, customizing the styling to match your organization's branding is straightforward. For teams that need to publish documentation quickly without fighting complicated publishing workflows, this approach tends to save a lot of time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HTML export?
HTML export converts documents, guides, or other content into HTML format. This makes the content viewable in any web browser and straightforward to publish on websites, intranets, or knowledge bases.
Why would I export to HTML instead of PDF?
HTML tends to work better for web publishing and interactive content. It adapts to different screen sizes, search engines can index it, and it supports embedded videos and links. PDF makes more sense when you need fixed layouts for printing or offline distribution.
What is an HTML export tool?
An HTML export tool is any software that converts content into HTML format. Documentation tools like Glitter AI, word processors, and specialized converters all offer HTML export functionality. They take your content and produce browser-ready HTML files.
How do I save a document as HTML?
Most documentation and word processing tools have an Export or Save As option where HTML is one of the output formats. The exact steps depend on the software, but look for Export, Save As, or Download options and pick HTML from what's available.
Can I edit HTML exports?
Absolutely. HTML files are just text files with markup, so any text editor or HTML editor can open and modify them. You can change the content, adjust styling with CSS, or rearrange the page layout. Some HTML knowledge helps, but many edits are pretty straightforward.
What files are created during HTML export?
It depends on the tool. You might get a single self-contained HTML file or a folder with multiple files. More complex exports typically include the main HTML file, a CSS stylesheet for formatting, and a folder containing images or other media assets.
How do I embed an HTML export in my website?
You have a few options. Upload the HTML files to your web server and link to them, or use an iframe to embed the content within an existing page. Some content management systems also let you paste HTML code directly into their page editors.
Is HTML export good for SEO?
Yes, it is. Search engines can crawl and index HTML content, which helps people find your documentation. If you're publishing to a public-facing website, HTML export makes that content discoverable through search engines, unlike PDF or proprietary formats.
Can HTML exports include videos and interactive elements?
They can. HTML supports embedded videos, interactive forms, collapsible sections, and other dynamic elements. Whether these get included depends on your HTML export tool and what your original content contained.
What's the difference between HTML export and web publishing?
HTML export creates the files. Web publishing makes them accessible. After you export to HTML, you still need to upload those files to a web server, content management system, or hosting platform so others can actually reach them.
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