Exporting Google Docs to clean HTML can be challenging, as the default HTML export contains a lot of unnecessary markup and CSS styling. However, with some simple tools and techniques, you can convert your Docs to optimized HTML ready for web publishing.
Why Export Google Docs to HTML
Here are some key reasons you may want to export a Google Doc as HTML:
- Preserve formatting and layout – HTML allows you to retain all your formatting, fonts, colors, images etc from Google Docs when publishing online.
- Integrate with websites – HTML seamlessly integrates with web pages and sites for easy embedding and sharing.
- Responsive design – HTML gives you better control over responsive design compared to a PDF or Word doc.
- Accessibility – Semantic HTML makes your content more accessible with compatibility features for those with disabilities.
Clean Export Methods
Use the Google Docs Add-On
The easiest way to get clean HTML from Google Docs is to use the Docs to Markdown add-on.
To install it:
- Open your Google Doc
- Click Add-ons > Get Add-ons
- Search for “Docs to Markdown”
- Click Install to add it your Google Docs
Once installed, you can convert to HTML in one click. Just go to Add-ons > Docs to Markdown > Convert to generate clean, simple HTML that’s ready to use on the web.
The add-on also lets you convert Google Docs to Markdown, which is handy for web writing in CMS platforms like WordPress.
Use a Dedicated Export Tool
Another option is to use a dedicated Google Docs to HTML converter tool like UseCloudPress.
The benefit of this method is you don’t need to install anything – it runs fully online. Just copy and paste your document contents into the converter and it strips out all the unnecessary HTML and CSS markup automatically.
Some key features include:
- One click export
- Retains images, fonts, formatting
- Converts links to rich embeds e.g. YouTube videos
- Handles footnotes and tables
- Customize export settings
The result is clean, valid HTML that’s ready to use for your website or blog.
Manually Clean Up HTML
You can also export HTML directly from Google Docs then manually clean up the code yourself:
- Open your Google Doc
- Go to File > Download > Web Page (.html, zipped)
- Extract the .html file
- Open it in a text editor
- Manually remove unnecessary CSS, classes, tags etc
- Clean up the file, save and publish online
While this method gives you full control, it’s time consuming. An automation tool like the add-on or converter is highly recommended to save effort.
Publishing Your HTML Document
Once you’ve converted your Google Doc to clean HTML, publishing online is easy. Here are some options:
Embed on Web Pages
Copy and paste your HTML document’s code directly into any web page that allows embedded HTML. For example:
- WordPress page builders like Elementor
- Website builders like Wix and Squarespace
- Webflow
- Web templates
This seamlessly integrates your content, retaining all formatting and media.
Host as a Standalone Page
Upload your exported .html file into cloud hosting like Amazon S3 or Netlify to self-host it as a standalone web page. Configure the page and domain settings to publish it online.
Import into a CMS
For content management systems like WordPress or Joomla, there are often plugins available to import HTML content with ease while retaining formatting and styles. This method may require some configuration but keeps your workflow entirely online.
Conclusion
Converting Google Docs to clean HTML is simple and straightforward with the right tools. Using a dedicated exporter or add-on automates this process, saving you effort.
The result is a web-ready HTML document you can seamlessly embed online into any website or platform while retaining all your original Google Doc formatting and styles.
Summary of Key Points
- Export Google Docs to HTML to integrate seamlessly with web pages and sites.
- Retain all formatting like fonts, colors and images from your original document.
- Use the Docs to Markdown add-on or an external exporter for clean, simple HTML conversion.
- Manually clean up the exported HTML file for full control over the output code.
- Embed your HTML document directly into web pages or import into CMS platforms to publish online.
Converting your Google Docs to HTML opens up new possibilities for web publishing, giving you greater control over the look, feel and portability of your important documents.
