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While developing, managing, or browsing a website, you have probably noticed something unusual. Some webpages end with .htm while others have .html extension. Why these two versions? Is .HTML different from .HTM?
The next thought can be if the file extension impacts SEO, website performance, and online leads. New developers, clients, and website designers often wonder whether .html vs .htm really matters.
We created this blog to settle this debate for good. We gathered all the necessary information on why the two variants exist, their impact on website performance, the best method to convert HTM to HTML, and other essential aspects.
What is HTML?
Abbreviated for Hyper Text Markup Language, HTML is a standard language used for structuring and creating webpages. HTML plays a key role in defining the structure of different webpages and powering the majority of websites on the internet.
People often confuse HTML with a programming language, but it’s a markup language instead. HTML, CSS, and JavaScript together help in creating impactful websites for the World Wide Web.
HTML made its debut back in 1991, thanks to Tim Berners-Lee, the visionary behind the World Wide Web. Since then, it has gone through several iterations, with HTML5 emerging as the go-to standard in 2014.
HTML5 brought along some significant upgrades, including:
- Built-in support for audio and video
- New semantic tags like <article> and <section>
- Enhanced compatibility for mobile devices
- Improved functionality for forms
What is HTM?
To everyone’s surprise, HTM is not a new or different language from HTML. It is only the shortened version of the HTML extension.
When it comes to .HTM and .HTML files, they’re essentially the same. Both types of files hold the same code and work just like each other in web browsers. There is really no difference in structure or performance between the two.
.HTM was introduced because certain operating systems capped file extensions to just three characters. But coming to the present scenario. HTML is used as a standard extension instead of .HTM.
Why Do Both .HTML and .HTM Exist?
The existence of both extensions can be traced back to the limitations of early computing.
Back in the 1980s and early 1990s, operating systems like MS-DOS and the initial versions of Microsoft Windows operated under what was called the “8.3 filename format.” This meant that:
- File names were restricted to just 8 characters
- File extensions could only be 3 characters long
Since .HTML has four letters, developers had to shorten it to .HTM to fit within that three-character rule.
As modern systems evolved and lifted this restriction, .html became the more popular choice. Still, .htm continues to be supported for the sake of backward compatibility, and it works just fine even today.
So, the reason we see both .HTM and .HTML around is really just a matter of history.
HTML vs HTM – Side-by-Side Comparison
To further clarify the confusion between HTML and HTM, here is a structured comparison of both extensions. We considered factors like browser compatibility, standardization, usage, and origin to compare .HTML and .HTM.
Usage and Utility
.HTML: The .HTML extension is popularly used in the website development industry. It is now the standard markup language that is well aligned and compatible with different browsers and Operating Systems.
.HTM: .HTM is not the standard extension and is used only for older versions of certain Operating Systems because of the limitations of the outdated Windows. While the present-day browsers still support the .HTM format, it is no longer a popular extension.
Scalability and Growth
.HTML: When it comes to long-term scalability, .html is definitely the go-to choice for modern websites. It fits right in with today’s web development standards and is widely embraced across various frameworks, CMS platforms, and hosting environments.
As businesses expand their websites, whether by adding more pages, integrations, APIs, or dynamic features, sticking with the standard .html extension helps maintain consistency across development teams and systems.
.HTM: The .HTM extension works just like .HTML, but it is mostly tied to older systems and traditional website designs. While it does not really limit scalability, it can hint at outdated architecture, especially in enterprise settings that are looking to modernize or migrate.
Standardization
.HTML: The .HTML extension is the official and standardized file format for HyperText Markup Language. It is in line with the modern web standards set by global authorities like the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) and the WHATWG.
As the complete and formal extension, .HTML is regularly cited in documentation, development frameworks, hosting environments, and educational materials.
.HTM: The .HTM extension isn't the official or standardized version of the HTML file format. It came about mainly because of historical limitations in operating systems and was never recognized as the official extension by web standards organizations.
While browsers still support it for backward compatibility, you will not usually find it mentioned in modern technical documentation or standard development guidelines.
Does .HTM vs .HTML Affect SEO?
The simple answer to this question: NO, the file extension does not affect the SEO rankings of your website. Google crawlers do not discriminate between the two extensions, but there are other factors that affect the SEO performance of your website:
- Page Content Quality: The content of your website should be SEO-friendly, written with the right keywords and metadata.
- Page Speed: The webpages should be lightweight so the website's loading speed remains optimum.
- Mobile Compatibility: All the web pages, elements, and media should load easily on different devices, including smartphones and tablets.
- Backlinks: Relevant backlinks further increase the chances of your website ranking higher on the search engine.
As we saw in this section, extensions like .HTM or .HTML do not affect the SEO performance of a website.
Should You Use .HTML or .HTM Today?
Using .HTM and .HTML depends on a number of factors, and ease-of-use is the topmost factor. The extension you use should be easily compatible with the modern browsers and World Wide Web requirements.
Seeing it with a technical perspective, using .HTML and .HTM is somewhat the same because both extensions work similarly and are supported by the major browsers.
.HTML wins the race by being the popular and standard option as it aligns well with the modern website development requirements. It also offers better scalability options and more consistency.
Also Read: How to Convert PSD to HTML: A Complete Tutorial
Can You Convert .HTM to .HTML?
You can convert .htm to .html with ease! The process is usually pretty straightforward since both file types hold the same HTML code. The only difference is in the file name; other aspects like structure, syntax, and functionality remain unchanged.
How to Convert .HTM to .HTML?
If you are working locally, it's as simple as renaming the file:
- Just change `filename.htm` to `filename.html.`
- Make sure your server can handle the new extension (most modern servers can)
- Update any internal links that point to the old `.htm` file
However, if the page is already live on a website, a few extra steps are needed to avoid any SEO hiccups. Renaming the file without proper setup could lead to broken links or duplicate content issues.
When converting .htm to .html on a live site, keep these tips in mind:
- Set up 301 redirects from the old `.htm` URLs to the new `.html` URLs
- Update internal links throughout your site
- Revise your sitemap entries
- Check your canonical tags
Search engines see .htm and .html as the same, but changing URLs without redirects can impact your rankings and traffic. If you do it right, converting from .htm to .html will not hurt your SEO performance at all.
Common Mistakes Developers Make
While converting a .htm to a .html extension, a few errors can pop up. These mistakes can be easily avoided if the developer keeps the following things in mind.
- Not Setting Up 301 Redirects: This is one of the common mistakes developers make. Always set up your 301 redirects to ensure all the URLs lead to the right page.
- Ignoring Canonical Tags: Another common issue is not updating canonical tags. If canonical URLs still reference the old .htm version, search engines may struggle to determine the preferred page.
- Launching Without Testing: Run performance and configuration tests multiple times. Redirects, crawl errors, broken links, and indexing status should be thoroughly checked.
- Skipping Server Updates: Not adjusting the server settings can result in broken pages or incorrect redirects, affecting user experience and site performance.
FAQs Related to HTM and HTML
1. What is the main difference between .htm vs .html extensions?
The key difference between .htm vs .html is the character length of the file extension. Functionally, both are the same and can be used interchangeably in modern browsers and servers.
2. Why do some websites use the .htm file extension?
Some websites use the .htm file extension for legacy reasons because older DOS-based systems only allowed three-character file extensions.
3. Are .htm and .html files supported by all web browsers?
Yes, both .htm and .html files are fully supported by modern web browsers such as Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge.
4. What is HTM and can I convert .htm files to .html on my website?
HTM is simply a shortened version of HTML. You can convert .htm files to .html for standardization. If the pages are live, use 301 redirects to avoid broken links and SEO issues. Tools like VS Code or server scripts can batch rename files without affecting functionality.
Jayveer Ker serves as the Business Development Manager at PSDtoHTMLNinja.com, specializing in assisting organizations with overcoming web development hurdles. His insightful and informative posts deliver practical solutions and valuable insights.
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