How to Display Word Document in HTML Using JavaScript

If you are designing a web page, you might want to view Word documents in HTML with JavaScript. But browsers don’t process Word files natively. You must employ clever tricks or special software to display them correctly. In this tutorial, we will instruct you on how to display.

Word documents in HTML with JavaScript in simple and easy steps. You’ll see how to work with files from the internet or the user’s machine. We’ll demonstrate safe and up-to-date methods for loading, displaying, and even formatting Word files within a web page using JavaScript.

Why Word Files Don’t Show in Browsers

Browsers cannot open Word files like .docx by themselves. These files are made for Word software, not for web browsers. So, when you try to open them in a webpage, nothing shows.

That’s why we need other methods. If you want to display Word documents in HTML using JavaScript, you must convert it, embed it, or use a viewer. All of these ways work differently depending on your file type and where it’s stored.

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Three Real Ways That Work

There are only three ways that really work to show a Word file in a browser. The first way is to embed it from a website using a special link. The second way is to convert the file into HTML using JavaScript tools. The third way is to turn the Word file into a PDF and show that instead.

These three methods are the most used. They are trusted by developers around the world. Each one has pros and cons, so we’ll explain each step carefully.

Embed Word Files from Online Viewers

If your Word document is stored on the internet, you can show it using online tools. The most popular one is Microsoft Office Viewer. You give the tool a link to your document, and it shows the file inside your webpage.

This method keeps your file’s layout, style, and images. It looks exactly like it would in Word. But the file must be public. Private files or files behind a password will not work with this method.

Use Google Docs Viewer for Public Files

Google Docs Viewer is another free service that can open Word documents online. Just like Microsoft Viewer, it needs a public link to the document. When you give it the link, it will display the file inside your website.

This viewer is simple and fast. But sometimes the formatting is not perfect. It may not show tables or fonts the way you want. Still, it’s a good backup if Microsoft Viewer fails or loads slowly.

Let Users Upload Word Files

Sometimes users want to upload their own Word files. You can let them choose a file from their computer. Then you can use JavaScript to read it.

But JavaScript alone can’t understand Word format. It reads the file, but it doesn’t know how to show it. That’s why you need a library to convert the file into HTML, so the browser can display it.

Use Mammoth.js for Simple Files

Mammoth.js is a JavaScript library. It turns Word files into clean HTML. It works best for simple files with headings, paragraphs, and text.

When someone uploads a Word file, Mammoth.js reads it and shows the content in your webpage. It removes extra styles and gives you a clean result. It’s not perfect for complex files, but it works very well for most basic documents.

Use docx-preview for Images and Tables

If your Word file has images, tables, or rich formatting, Mammoth.js may not be enough. You should try docx-preview instead. This library shows more details and supports a wider range of styles.

It gives better visual results, and it can handle more parts of the document. It is easy to use with JavaScript, and it works in modern browsers. For professional documents, this is a great option.

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Convert Word Files to PDF Format

Another good idea is to turn your Word file into a PDF. PDF files look the same on every device. You can convert the Word file using a tool or an online service.

Then you show the PDF in your web page using a viewer. This method keeps fonts, tables, and layout perfect. It is useful when your design must look exactly right.

Make the Output Look Good with CSS

After converting a Word file to HTML, it might look boring. The text may be too close together. Headings may look too small. To fix this, use CSS.

You can add space, change fonts, or adjust the size of headings. This makes the document easy to read. Good styling gives users a better experience and makes your content feel professional.

Check Browser Support and Fix Errors

Not all browsers handle Word files the same way. Some may not support your method. Others may block files from different websites. You need to test your solution in Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and on mobile devices.

You also need to check for CORS errors. These happen when your file is on a different website and the browser blocks it. You can fix this by changing settings or moving the file to your own server.

Keep Your Website Safe

Some Word files may have bad content. If you show a Word file without checking it, someone could attack your website. So always clean the file before showing it.

Use safe libraries. Don’t allow files from unknown users without checks. Remove anything that could harm your website or your users.

When to Use Each Method

Here’s a quick list to help you decide

Final Advice and Recap

You now know how to display Word documents in HTML using JavaScript. You can embed it, convert it, or turn it into PDF. Each method has its place. Think about your document, your users, and what matters most.

Test your solution in all browsers. Make sure your file loads fast and looks clean. Keep it secure. Choose the right tools, and your document will look great inside any webpage.

Tools for Displaying Word Files

Real-World Use Cases and Examples

Let’s talk about where you might need to display Word documents in HTML using JavaScript in real websites. Suppose you’re building a school portal. Teachers want to upload assignments in Word format, and students want to read them online.

Now imagine you’re building a company dashboard. Your team wants to share contracts, reports, or meeting notes in Word format. You can upload these to your server, then use Microsoft Viewer to embed them on an internal webpage. 

Things You Should Never Do

Now let’s look at mistakes you should avoid. One common mistake is using fake online converters. Many websites say they can turn Word files into HTML, but some of them add malware or track users. Always use trusted tools.

Another mistake is skipping file validation. If a user uploads a Word file, never show it directly without checking. Someone could add bad content inside the file. You need to clean the content before displaying it.

FAQ”s

Can I show a Word file directly in the browser?

No. Browsers don’t read .docx files. You need to embed, convert, or preview them using tools.

What’s the best tool for simple Word documents?

Mammoth.js is great for simple files. It converts Word to HTML and works well with JavaScript.

Can I show a Word file that someone uploads?

Yes, but you need to read the file and convert it using a JavaScript library.

What if I need to keep the layout exact?

Convert the Word file to PDF first. Then show the PDF inside the page. This keeps the layout perfect.

Is it safe to show Word files from users?

Only if you clean the content first. Always check for harmful code before showing user files.

Conclusion

Now you’ve learned the full process of how to display Word documents in HTML using JavaScript. Use a viewer for public files, convert them with JavaScript tools, or show them as PDF. Each step works for a different need. Always test in all browsers, clean your output, and keep your content safe. With the right tools, your Word documents will look clean and professional on any website.