How to Convert DOCX to HTML Using Python?

Converting Microsoft Word documents (DOCX) to HTML is a common requirement for web developers, content managers, and automation enthusiasts. Python, with its powerful libraries, makes this task straightforward. In this guide, we’ll explore the most efficient way to convert DOCX to HTML using Python.

Why Convert DOCX to HTML?

HTML is the standard format for web content, while DOCX is primarily used for office documents. Converting DOCX to HTML helps in:

• Publishing Word documents directly on websites.
• Automating content migration from DOCX to web platforms.
• Maintaining consistent formatting across digital channels.

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Choosing the Right Python Module

The most popular and widely used Python module for DOCX to HTML conversion is python-docx combined with pandoc or mammoth. However, python-docx alone doesn’t support direct HTML conversion. Instead, we’ll use mammoth, a lightweight and efficient library designed specifically for DOCX-to-HTML conversion.

Installing Mammoth

First, install the mammoth library using pip:

pip install mammoth

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Step-by-Step Conversion Process

Step 1: Import the Library

Start by importing the mammoth module in your Python script:

import mammoth

Step 2: Read the DOCX File

Load the DOCX file you want to convert:

with open("document.docx", "rb") as docx_file:
    result = mammoth.convert_to_html(docx_file)

Step 3: Save the HTML Output

Extract the converted HTML and save it to a file:

html_content = result.value  # Extracts the HTML string
with open("output.html", "w", encoding="utf-8") as html_file:
    html_file.write(html_content)

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Handling Images and Styling

Mammoth preserves basic formatting (bold, italics, headings, etc.) but may not retain complex styling. For images:

• Images in DOCX are converted to base64-encoded data URLs in HTML.
• Use custom style maps for advanced formatting control.

Example: Custom Style Mapping

style_map = """
    p[style-name='Heading 1'] => h1:fresh
    p[style-name='Heading 2'] => h2:fresh
"""
with open("document.docx", "rb") as docx_file:
    result = mammoth.convert_to_html(docx_file, style_map=style_map)

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Alternative Libraries

If Mammoth doesn’t meet your needs, consider these alternatives:

• pandoc: A universal document converter (requires external installation).
• python-docx + html module: For manual conversion (more complex).

Summary: Converting DOCX to HTML in Python is easy with mammoth. This lightweight library handles basic formatting and images efficiently, making it ideal for web content automation.

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