Convert ORG to HTML

Why Convert ORG to HTML?

Converting Org-mode documents to HTML makes your content accessible to anyone with a web browser. This is the most common export format for sharing Org-mode content with people who don't use Emacs, publishing documentation online, or creating websites from your notes.

HTML is the universal format of the web. By converting your Org-mode files to HTML, you can publish them on any web server, share them via email, or host them on platforms like GitHub Pages. The content is viewable on any device without special software.

For documentation projects, HTML export is essential. You can create entire documentation sites from Org-mode files, complete with navigation, cross-references, and styled code blocks. Tools like Hugo and Jekyll can incorporate Org-mode files into static site generators.

The conversion preserves your document structure, converting Org headings to HTML headings (h1-h6), lists to proper HTML lists, and code blocks to formatted pre/code elements. With CSS, you can style the output to match any design.

Key Benefits of Converting ORG to HTML:

• Universal Access: View in any web browser, no special software needed
• Web Publishing: Host on any website or documentation platform
• Styling Freedom: Apply any CSS design to your content
• SEO Friendly: Search engines can index your content
• Responsive: Works on desktop, tablet, and mobile
• Shareable: Easy to share via links or email
• Portable: Self-contained files with embedded content

Practical Examples

Example 1: Documentation Page

Input ORG file (docs.org):

#+TITLE: API Documentation
#+AUTHOR: Dev Team

* Getting Started

** Installation

Install the package:

#+BEGIN_SRC bash
npm install my-package
#+END_SRC

** Configuration

Set up your config file:

| Option    | Default | Description       |
|-----------+---------+-------------------|
| debug     | false   | Enable debugging  |
| timeout   | 30      | Request timeout   |

Output HTML:

<h1>Getting Started</h1>
<h2>Installation</h2>
<p>Install the package:</p>
<pre><code class="language-bash">
npm install my-package
</code></pre>
<h2>Configuration</h2>
<p>Set up your config file:</p>
<table>
  <tr><th>Option</th><th>Default</th><th>Description</th></tr>
  <tr><td>debug</td><td>false</td><td>Enable debugging</td></tr>
  <tr><td>timeout</td><td>30</td><td>Request timeout</td></tr>
</table>

Example 2: Blog Post

Input ORG file (post.org):

#+TITLE: 10 Tips for Better Productivity
#+DATE: 2024-01-15
#+AUTHOR: Jane Smith

* Introduction

In this post, I'll share *10 proven tips* for
improving your daily productivity.

* Tip 1: Start with the Hardest Task

Tackle your most challenging task first thing
in the morning when your energy is highest.

[[https://example.com/research][Research shows]] that
willpower depletes throughout the day.

Output HTML ready for blog:

<article>
  <header>
    <h1>10 Tips for Better Productivity</h1>
    <meta name="date" content="2024-01-15">
    <meta name="author" content="Jane Smith">
  </header>
  <section>
    <h2>Introduction</h2>
    <p>In this post, I'll share <strong>10 proven tips</strong>
    for improving your daily productivity.</p>
  </section>
  <section>
    <h2>Tip 1: Start with the Hardest Task</h2>
    <p>Tackle your most challenging task first...</p>
    <p><a href="https://example.com/research">Research shows</a>
    that willpower depletes...</p>
  </section>
</article>

Example 3: Technical Tutorial

Input ORG file (tutorial.org):

#+TITLE: Python Quick Start

* Hello World

Create a file called ~hello.py~:

#+BEGIN_SRC python
print("Hello, World!")
#+END_SRC

Run it with:

#+BEGIN_SRC bash
python hello.py
#+END_SRC

#+BEGIN_QUOTE
Python is a great first language because
of its readable syntax.
#+END_QUOTE

Output HTML with code highlighting ready:

<h1>Hello World</h1>
<p>Create a file called <code>hello.py</code>:</p>
<pre><code class="language-python">
print("Hello, World!")
</code></pre>
<p>Run it with:</p>
<pre><code class="language-bash">
python hello.py
</code></pre>
<blockquote>
  <p>Python is a great first language because
  of its readable syntax.</p>
</blockquote>

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is the HTML output self-contained?

A: By default, the HTML includes inline styles for basic formatting. Images are referenced by path, not embedded. For fully self-contained HTML with embedded images, additional processing may be needed or you can use data URIs for images.

Q: Can I customize the HTML styling?

A: Yes! The output HTML uses semantic elements (h1, h2, p, etc.) that you can style with any CSS. You can add your own stylesheet to completely change the appearance. The HTML structure remains clean and accessible.

Q: What happens to code blocks?

A: Code blocks are converted to <pre><code> elements with language classes (e.g., language-python). Add a syntax highlighting library like Prism.js or Highlight.js to your page for colored code display.

Q: Are internal links preserved?

A: Yes, internal Org links to headings are converted to HTML anchor links. Cross-references between sections work correctly in the exported HTML, allowing readers to navigate your document.

Q: Can I use this with static site generators?

A: Absolutely. The HTML output can be incorporated into Jekyll, Hugo, Gatsby, or any static site generator. Some generators (like Hugo) have native Org-mode support, but converted HTML works universally.

Q: What about LaTeX math formulas?

A: Math formulas are preserved and can be rendered with MathJax or KaTeX. Add the appropriate JavaScript library to your HTML page, and the formulas will display correctly in browsers.

Q: Is the HTML accessible?

A: Yes, the conversion produces semantic HTML with proper heading hierarchy, lists, and structure. This provides a good foundation for accessibility. Add alt text to images in your Org source for complete accessibility.

Q: Can I edit the HTML output?

A: Yes, the HTML is standard and can be edited with any text editor or HTML editor. However, if you need to make changes, it's often easier to edit the source ORG file and re-export, especially for large documents.