Answered By: Jason Puckett
Last Updated: Apr 20, 2021     Views: 43168

PDF and HTML are both file formats. For articles, the PDF and HTML files both contain the same text but there are some differences between the two.

A PDF shows you what the actual article looks like (almost like a photocopy of it) and will have the actual page numbers that appeared in the article in print. It will also include graphs, charts, images, etc. that appeared in the original article. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader or a pdf viewer installed on your internet browser to access the article.

A HTML file has been computer formatted and you do not need any additional software to read the article. If there were graphs or images in the original article, they may not always be included in the HTML file or may look different.

When searching in a database, you might see resources with only PDF full text, both or only HTML. Below is an example of an article entry with both file types available:

a result from a database showing the HTML full text link and the PDF full text link.

Generally, the PDF version is more detailed and is often the better option to select. You can then download, print, or email yourself the PDF article for later.

To see an example of each type, follow these links:

Therapy Dogs in the Emergency Department (HTML)

Therapy Dogs in the Emergency Department (PDF)

For more help, ask a librarian.

 

updated 6/29/2020 kas

Comments (3)

  1. This was somewhat helpful; however, it would be far more helpful if I could click on "HTML Full Text" and "PDF Full Text" and actually compare them. Thank you.
    by LaDonna on Apr 13, 2021
  2. Great idea, LaDonna! I can't make the image interactive like that, but I will include some examples of both document types.
    by Mary Ann Cullen on Apr 20, 2021
  3. Since I'm already on a browser, I think expecting an online article with help info, to include the ability to add a link to open examples to compare them, would be overkill. I can easily do that on my own. I'm just very grateful to have the differences outlined! Thanks!
    by Brenda on Jan 13, 2022