How to Display Word Documents in HTML Using JavaScript

Displaying Word documents in an HTML environment with JavaScript can significantly improve web applications by allowing users to access document content in real time, eliminating the need for extra plugins or downloads. In this guide, we will examine different methods for displaying Word documents on a webpage, weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each method, and offer code examples to assist you in seamlessly incorporating this feature into your project.

Why Display Word Documents in HTML?

Displaying Word documents directly in HTML has many advantages, including:

• User Convenience: Users can directly view content on the web without downloading files.
• Data Security: The content of the document remains on the web server. This reduces the security risks associated with local downloads.
• Improved Interactivity: Allows users to interact with document content, such as form fields, notes, or highlighted attributes. To improve user experience.

Methods to Display Word Documents in HTML Using JavaScript

1. Embedding Word Documents with iframe

One of the easiest ways to display a Word document in HTML format is to embed it in an iframe. Using an iframe allows you to load the document directly onto the page. This allows users to view documents as if they were in Word-compatible software.

Example: Embedding with Google Docs Viewer

Google Docs Viewer is an online tool that displays Word documents in the browser without the need to expand plug-ins.

<iframe src="https://docs.google.com/gview?url=https://example.com/document.docx&embedded=true" style="width:100%; height:600px;" frameborder="0"></iframe>

In this example:

• Replace https://example.com/document.docx with the actual URL of your Word document.
• The embedded=true parameter removes Google Docs Viewer’s toolbar, giving a cleaner look.

Pros and Cons of Using iframe with Google Docs

• Pros:
  • Simple to set up and use.
  • Works well for public documents.
• Cons:
  • Requires documents to be accessible via a public URL.
  • Google Docs might not display all formatting exactly as it appears in Word.

2. Converting Word Documents to HTML with JavaScript Libraries

If you want a more customizable look, converting Word files to HTML can be effective. JavaScript libraries like mammoth.js make this possible. It allows you to convert .docx files to HTML format and embed them in web pages.

Example: Using Mammoth.js to Convert and Display Word Documents

First, you’ll need to include the mammoth.js library in your project:

<script src="https://cdnjs.cloudflare.com/ajax/libs/mammoth/1.4.2/mammoth.browser.min.js"></script>

Then, you can use JavaScript to handle and display the content of a .docx file.

<input type="file" id="upload" accept=".docx">
<div id="output"></div>

<script>
  document.getElementById("upload").addEventListener("change", (event) => {
    const reader = new FileReader();
    reader.onload = (e) => {
      mammoth.convertToHtml({ arrayBuffer: e.target.result })
        .then((result) => {
          document.getElementById("output").innerHTML = result.value;
        })
        .catch((error) => console.log(error));
    };
    reader.readAsArrayBuffer(event.target.files[0]);
  });
</script>

How This Code Works:

1. The user selects the .docx file using the <input> element.
2. JavaScript reads the file as a buffer array. Then convert it to HTML using Mammoth.js.
3. The edited HTML is displayed inside a div (output) element.

Pros and Cons of Using Mammoth.js

• Pros:
  • Full control over document styling and display.
  • The conversion process is local, enhancing data privacy.
• Cons:
  • May not retain all formatting details from the original Word document.
  • Requires additional setup and integration of an external library.

3. Displaying Word Documents as PDFs with PDF.js

Another efficient way to display Word documents on the web is to convert them to PDF format first. You can then use a JavaScript library such as PDF.js to render the PDF file within HTML.

Steps to Implement PDF.js

1. Convert the Word document to PDF (using server-side software or an online converter).
2. Use PDF.js to display the PDF in an HTML container.

Example Code Using PDF.js

Include PDF.js in your project:

<script src="https://mozilla.github.io/pdf.js/build/pdf.js"></script>
<canvas id="pdf-canvas"></canvas>

<script>
  const url = 'path-to-your-document.pdf';

  pdfjsLib.getDocument(url).promise.then((pdf) => {
    pdf.getPage(1).then((page) => {
      const scale = 1.5;
      const viewport = page.getViewport({ scale: scale });
      const canvas = document.getElementById('pdf-canvas');
      const context = canvas.getContext('2d');
      canvas.height = viewport.height;
      canvas.width = viewport.width;

      const renderContext = {
        canvasContext: context,
        viewport: viewport,
      };
      page.render(renderContext);
    });
  });
</script>

In this example:

• Replace path-to-your-document.pdf with the URL of the converted PDF.
• The JavaScript code retrieves the first page of the PDF and renders it in a <canvas> element.

Pros and Cons of Using PDF.js

• Pros:
  • PDF format retains most formatting elements.
  • PDF.js supports a wide range of PDF-specific features.
• Cons:
  • Requires converting Word documents to PDF first.
  • Heavier on resources, especially for larger documents.

4. Embedding Word Documents with Microsoft Office Online

Microsoft offers an online embed option for Word files, allowing you to display documents in HTML without conversion.

Example Code Using Microsoft Office Viewer

<iframe src="https://view.officeapps.live.com/op/view.aspx?src=https://example.com/document.docx" style="width:100%; height:600px;" frameborder="0"></iframe>

In this code:

• Replace https://example.com/document.docx with your document’s URL.
• The document is displayed through Office Online, supporting advanced formatting and document fidelity.

Pros and Cons of Using Microsoft Office Viewer

• Pros:
  • Maintains original Word formatting.
  • Easy setup for documents with complex formatting.
• Cons:
  • Requires an accessible public URL.
  • Dependent on Microsoft’s online services, which may be restricted in some regions.

5. Using Web-Based Document Conversion APIs (e.g., CloudConvert, Zamzar)

If you need to convert and display Word documents dynamically and don’t want to rely on local libraries, the Document Conversion API provides an easy solution. These APIs can convert Word files on the server to HTML or PDF format, which you can embed in HTML.

Example Using CloudConvert API

For example, CloudConvert has an API to convert Word documents to HTML or PDF. Here’s a high-level example of how this works.

1. Upload the Word Document to CloudConvert via API.
2. Convert the File to HTML or PDF.
3. Display the Result in an HTML element.

To do this You’ll need an API key from your provider and follow their documentation to manage file uploads and conversions.

Pros and Cons of Using Document Conversion APIs

• Pros:
  • Supports complex document formatting.
  • No need for client-side libraries or dependencies.
• Cons:
  • Often involves costs or usage limits.
  • Requires an internet connection and API integration skills.

This method is ideal for large-scale applications needing reliable and high-fidelity conversions in real time.

6. Embedding Using Microsoft Graph API (for Office 365 Users)

If your project includes Office 365 documents stored in OneDrive or SharePoint, the Microsoft Graph API lets you seamlessly embed and display Word documents.

With the Graph API, you can:

• Retrieve the document file.
• Display it directly or convert it to HTML.
• Control user access based on permissions set in OneDrive or SharePoint.

Example Workflow:

1. Authenticate users via Microsoft’s OAuth.
2. Access and Embed the Word document using the API.

This approach provides high flexibility and security for developers working with enterprise applications. Especially for users belonging to the Microsoft ecosystem.

Pros and Cons of Using Microsoft Graph API

• Pros:
  • Secure access control, ideal for private documents.
  • Direct support for enterprise applications and Office 365.
• Cons:
  • Requires Office 365 and technical expertise in API usage.
  • Not suitable for public-facing applications.

7. Displaying Word Documents Using Office Add-ins

If your web application is an Office Add-in, it can use the Office JavaScript API to display and interact with Word documents directly within the Office environment. This option is ideal if you are developing a custom solution that improves functionality. Work with Microsoft Office products

Example: Using Office JavaScript API

1. Set up an Office Add-in project.
2. Use the Office JavaScript API to access and manipulate Word document content.
3. Display document content in a custom pane or editor.

While this is a niche solution, it’s valuable if you are developing within the Office Suite.

Pros and Cons of Using Office Add-ins

• Pros:
  • Full integration with Office functionality.
  • Allows advanced document manipulation.
• Cons:
  • Limited to the Office environment, not for standalone web apps.
  • Requires knowledge of Office Add-ins and JavaScript APIs.

Summary Table of All Methods

Each method has unique strengths and is ideal for specific needs, from quick public embedding to enterprise-level integrations.

Conclusion

Displaying Word documents in HTML format using JavaScript can be done in several ways. From simple iframe embedding to extensive conversion with libraries like Mammoth.js and PDF.js, you can choose the approach that best suits your project’s needs. Each method has its unique strengths. Helps strike a balance between ease of use. Accuracy of documents and data privacy

Once you have mastered these methods You can integrate Word document display functionality into your web application. To provide users with a smooth and professional viewing experience.