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How to Convert PDF to HTML

Regan Pun
Regan Pun
Updated:

Converting PDF to HTML offers various benefits, including enhanced web accessibility for users, responsiveness for different devices, improved search engine optimization (SEO), seamless web integration, easy content editing through web-based tools and CMS, cross-platform compatibility, and the ability to utilize dynamic elements and multimedia.

IronPdf simplifies the process of converting PDF to HTML in .NET C#.

Nuget IconGet started making PDFs with NuGet now:

  1. Install IronPDF with NuGet

    PM > Install-Package IronPdf

  2. Copy the code

    new IronPdf.PdfDocument()
       .FromFile("example.pdf")
       .SaveAsHtml("output.html");

  3. Deploy to test on your live environment

    Start using IronPDF in your project today with a free trial
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Get started with IronPDF

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First Step:
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How to Convert PDF to HTML

  1. Download the IronPdf Library for .NET
  2. Import an existing PDF document using the FromFile method
  3. Configure the output HTML using the HtmlFormatOptions class
  4. Convert the PDF to an HTML string using the ToHtmlString method
  5. Export the HTML file using the SaveAsHtml method


PDF to HTML Example

The ToHtmlString method is primarily designed to allow users to analyze HTML elements in an existing PDF document. It serves as a useful tool for debugging or PDF comparison purposes. In addition to converting a PDF document to an HTML string, we offer a direct method for users to save a PDF document as an HTML file using the SaveAsHtml method. This provides flexibility for users to choose the most suitable approach based on their specific needs.

Please noteNote: All interactive form fields in the original PDF will no longer be functional in the resulting HTML document.

Sample PDF File

:path=/static-assets/pdf/content-code-examples/how-to/pdf-to-html.cs
using IronPdf;
using System;

PdfDocument pdf = PdfDocument.FromFile("sample.pdf");

// Convert PDF to HTML string
string html = pdf.ToHtmlString();
Console.WriteLine(html);

// Convert PDF to HTML file
pdf.SaveAsHtml("myHtml.html");
IRON VB CONVERTER ERROR developers@ironsoftware.com
$vbLabelText   $csharpLabel

Output HTML

The entire output HTML generated from the SaveAsHtml method has been input into the website below.

PDF to HTML Advanced Example

Both the ToHtmlString and SaveAsHtml methods offer various configuration options. Below are the available properties:

  • BackgroundColor: Specifies the background color.
  • PdfPageMargin: Specifies the page margin.

Additionally, the properties below are intended for the 'title' parameter in the ToHtmlString and SaveAsHtml methods. This will add a new title at the beginning of the content. They will not modify the title or h1 of the input PDF document.

  • H1Color: Specifies the title color.
  • H1FontSize: Specifies the title font size.
  • H1TextAlignment: Specifies the title alignment, such as left, center, or right.
:path=/static-assets/pdf/content-code-examples/how-to/pdf-to-html-advanced-settings.cs
using IronPdf;
using IronSoftware.Drawing;
using System;

PdfDocument pdf = PdfDocument.FromFile("sample.pdf");

// PDF to HTML configuration options
HtmlFormatOptions htmlformat = new HtmlFormatOptions();
htmlformat.BackgroundColor = Color.White;
htmlformat.PdfPageMargin = 10;
htmlformat.H1Color = Color.Blue;
htmlformat.H1FontSize = 25;
htmlformat.H1TextAlignment = TextAlignment.Center;

// Convert PDF to HTML string
string html = pdf.ToHtmlString();
Console.WriteLine(html);

// Convert PDF to HTML file
pdf.SaveAsHtml("myHtmlConfigured.html", true, "Hello World", htmlFormatOptions: htmlformat);
IRON VB CONVERTER ERROR developers@ironsoftware.com
$vbLabelText   $csharpLabel

Output HTML

The entire output HTML generated from the SaveAsHtml method has been input into the website below.

These methods will produce an HTML string with inline CSS. The output HTML uses SVG terms/tags instead of the usual HTML tags. Despite this difference, it is a valid HTML string and can be rendered the same way in a web browser. However, it's important for users to be aware that the returned HTML string from this method may differ from the HTML input when using a PDF document that was rendered using the RenderHtmlAsPdf method, due to the reasons mentioned above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of converting PDF documents to HTML?

Converting PDF documents to HTML using IronPDF allows for enhanced web accessibility, device responsiveness, improved SEO, seamless integration with web platforms, easy content editing, cross-platform compatibility, and the ability to incorporate dynamic elements and multimedia.

How can I convert a PDF document to an HTML file in .NET C#?

You can convert a PDF document to an HTML file in .NET C# using IronPDF by employing the FromFile method to load the PDF and the SaveAsHtml method to save it as an HTML file.

What is the purpose of the ToHtmlString method in IronPDF?

The ToHtmlString method in IronPDF is used for converting a PDF document to an HTML string, which is useful for analyzing HTML elements, debugging, or comparing PDFs.

Can interactive form fields in PDFs be preserved when converting to HTML?

No, interactive form fields from the original PDF will not be functional in the resulting HTML document when using IronPDF.

What customization options are available when converting PDF to HTML?

IronPDF provides customization options for HTML output, including BackgroundColor, PdfPageMargin, H1Color, H1FontSize, and H1TextAlignment to tailor the appearance of the HTML.

Does the HTML output from IronPDF use standard HTML tags?

The HTML output from IronPDF uses SVG terms/tags instead of standard HTML tags, yet it remains a valid and renderable HTML string in web browsers.

Where can I download IronPDF for .NET?

You can download IronPDF for .NET from the NuGet package manager at https://www.nuget.org/packages/IronPdf/.

How do I get started with PDF to HTML conversion using IronPDF?

To start converting PDFs to HTML using IronPDF, download the library, import the PDF with FromFile, configure the output with HtmlFormatOptions, convert to an HTML string with ToHtmlString, and export using SaveAsHtml.

What is the role of the title parameter in HTML conversion?

The title parameter in ToHtmlString and SaveAsHtml methods allows you to add a new title to the beginning of the HTML content without modifying the original PDF's title or h1 elements.

How does the HTML output differ from the HTML input in IronPDF?

When using IronPDF, the returned HTML string might differ from the initial HTML input due to variations in rendering, especially when using the RenderHtmlAsPdf method.

Regan Pun
Regan Pun
  Chat with engineering team now
Software Engineer
Regan graduated from the University of Reading, with a BA in Electronic Engineering. Before joining Iron Software, his previous job roles had him laser-focused on single tasks; and what he most enjoys at Iron Software is the spectrum of work he gets to undertake, whether it’s adding value to ...Read More
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Jeff Fritz
Jeffrey T. Fritz
Principal Program Manager - .NET Community Team
Jeff is also a Principal Program Manager for the .NET and Visual Studio teams. He is the executive producer of the .NET Conf virtual conference series and hosts 'Fritz and Friends' a live stream for developers that airs twice weekly where he talks tech and writes code together with viewers. Jeff writes workshops, presentations, and plans content for the largest Microsoft developer events including Microsoft Build, Microsoft Ignite, .NET Conf, and the Microsoft MVP Summit
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