.HTML file extension What are and how to open these types of files?

HTML files (Hypertext Markup Language) are mainly used in static pages of different websites. They are used to incorporate certain formatting attributes and in turn to place or design different design specifications in the content of the web page.

There are different applications that can be used to open, create, or edit HTML files , it can be web browsers, more specialized programs or just Windows Notepad or MAC TextEdit

To find out more, in this tutorial, we will explain to you step by step how to open and create your own HTML file , as well as what is it? And what function do they perform?

What are .HTML files and what are they used for?

An HTML file is essentially a web page , which can be entered using any browser that can access it. These files contain written code called: Hypertext Market Language or Hypertext Markup Language HTML.

What is a file extension and what does it do?

Before continuing, it's important to know what an extension is and what it does in operating systems. These extensions are very varied and can work in different programs as long as that you are compatible with them.

The extension of a file consists of the set of three or four characters. These are in the final part which constitutes the name of the file as for example; .html, .docx, .txt. These tell the system and advanced users what type of file it is and, in turn, tell the operating system which programs can open them.

Usually a default program is associated with each file extension. , where it is enough to click on the file to start automatically and in turn will allow the user to observe it and modify it if he wishes. A clear example of this is Word and other word processors, because whichever one you have installed that you have specified as the default will be the one that starts when the file is opened.

When the program that allows the file extension to function is no longer on the computer, the associated file cannot be opened more than once.

How to open and run .HTML files on smartphones or computers?

There are different methods that can be applied on smartphones and computers to open or run an .HTML file. Obviously, that will also depend on the intended objective. In other words, if you only want to display the information of the file or modify its code and therefore its content.

On Windows PC

In Windows, the alternatives are simple and very broad, although in this case we will not talk about alternative programs, as we will explain a variety of these later.

To start an HTML file on Windows, you need to do the following:

• Find the file that you want to run.
• If it is found with HTML extension, it will appear with the browser icon that you programmed by default. (In this case Chrome).
• You can click on the file to start it, if this is the first time you are doing it, it will tell the system which program you want to use. Indicate the browser of your choice.
• A page opens with the information contained in the file.

Another way to open an HTML file is to use the file's storage path as the link page:

• As the previous image shows, the path to the HTML file we created is as follows : C/Users/Zoneo/Desktop/hello.HTML you can copy and paste this path into your browser and it will open it automatically.
• Remember to use the path to the location of the file, you can see it by looking in its properties.

On Mac computers

In MAC systems, the process is identical to that shown in Windows, it is necessary to have a fully functional browser on the computer and start the file, you can also choose to use the same TextEdit to open them.

The steps for using TextEdit with .HTML are as follows:

• Search the file you want to open.
• Choose how you want the execute.
• In this case, you choose to use TextEdit.

Another method is as follows:

• Start TextEdit.
• Look for the option "File or file" to open items stored on the computer.
• You are looking for the file that you want to open and you run it.

Finally, using any browser:

• You enter the file path in which web links or search bar are written.

On Android mobile phones

On Android, the process is unique. Since you can only view HTML files through browsers available for the operating system. To do this, you just need to place the storage address of the file in the web bar of your browser.

For example: the file you want to open is called "Post.html", in the web address bar of your browser, you will write the file: ///sdcard/post.html. Where sdcard is the storage address of the item of interest. Followed by the name of it. In different Android devices there is a file manager that allows you to open HTML documents, if your smartphone has it, you can try it.

On iPhone devices with iOS

On iPhone computers with iOS operating systems, the procedure is identical to that explained previously, there is no difference. It is essential that you know the exact location of the file and its name, and then place all of that data in the browser that interests you in order to view it.

As in the previous case, if your device contains a text editor or file manager supporting .HTML extension, try to use it for that.

Note that there are apps for Android and iOS that can edit them, but keep in mind that many of them generate bugs, errors, or do not work properly. So, if you do decide to try one out, don't be surprised if it causes you inconvenience.

Create an .HTML file with Notepad or TextEdit

This process is ideal for less experienced users who want to learn bit by bit, how this extension works and how commands are written to the file.

To create the file, you need to do the following:

• Open the Bloc - notes or TextEdit on your Windows or MAC computer.
• Enter simple content to practice. It can be a few words.
• Choose the option » Save as".
• Indicate a path where you want to store the file.
• Now the most important step, where it says "Name", you are going to place the one with which the content will be identified. Then you will place the extension .Html and press "Record" .

• The file will have been created . After that, the route shown with your default browser icon for that time should appear.

The Notepad or TextEdit program are very basic for an experienced user in HTML code, because they are very limited in tools. But it's a great way to understand how it works.

If you want to create more structured text with different formats, you can find the different codes used to insert texts or images in .HTML file

List of the best apps and alternative programs to open and edit a document with a .HTML extension

There are a wide variety of programs that can edit and open files with an .HTML extension. They can work in different operating systems such as MAC or Windows, among which we can cite the following.

Microsoft Edge

This is the default browser provided in Windows operating systems. Like many, he allows its users to view HTML files without any problem.

Mozilla Firefox

Like Edge, in Firefox you can view .HTML files without issue. This browser is available for MAC and Windows, which allows it to be used on multiple systems.

Google Chrome

This is the browser created by the Google company and, like the previous ones, you can view the contents of any .HTML file stored on your computer. It is available for different operating systems.

Apple Safari

Safari is the default browser for MAC operating systems, in which you can have view any .HTML content that you have saved on your computer.

Microsoft Notepad (Notepad)

We have already talked about this program and as we said, it allows you to more easily visualize the .HTML files, although in a simpler way. It is a good tool for novice users. But it is not recommended to use it by experienced user due to the limitations it contains.

Text Edit

Like notepad, this program performs all of the above functions. The only and biggest difference is that it is owned by the Apple company, being only available for their operating systems. Likewise, it is very limited, but that does not prevent you from using it.

EditPlus

It is a program available for Windows, which allows you to replace the classic notepad, by no longer being able to be used for various web page programming tasks, especially those that work with the .HTML extension. Which makes it a great program for viewing and editing these types of files.

Altova StyleVision

It's a program that you allows you to edit and create HTML files, if you are interested you can try its trial version and if you like it you can buy the full program to use it with more and better functions.

Adobe Dreamweaver CC

One of the best tools out there for those interested in quality programming. Designed for very experienced users in because of the wide variety of tools and options it has to create content for HTML web pages. It is paid and you can try it with a free version, and if you like to buy it.

If you have any questions, please leave them in the comments, we will get back to you as soon as possible, and it will be a great help for more community members as well. Thank you!