HTM vs. HTML — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Published on October 31, 2023
HTM and HTML are both file extensions for web documents, with HTML being the more common format. The only difference is the extra "L" in HTML.
Difference Between HTM and HTML
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
HTM is a file extension that signifies a web document, often used when operating systems had restrictions on filename lengths. HTML, its counterpart, became the more recognized and widely used file extension for web pages.
In the realm of web development, HTM and HTML are virtually interchangeable. Both extensions denote files that contain Hypertext Markup Language, the standard language for displaying content in web browsers. HTML is just a lengthier version of HTM, including an additional "L" which stands for "language".
Historically, HTM emerged due to constraints in earlier versions of Windows that limited file extensions to three characters. As technology evolved and such limitations faded, HTML became more prevalent. Yet, both extensions work equally well in modern browsers.
Compatibility is a non-issue between HTM and HTML. Both can be opened by web browsers and interpreted in the same way. When creating web pages, developers might choose HTML due to its widespread recognition, but using HTM will not cause any issues.
The decision between HTM and HTML often boils down to personal or organizational preference. While HTML is more conventional today, there are still many websites and systems that use or support the HTM extension.
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Comparison Chart
Full Form
Hypertext Markup
Hypertext Markup Language
Origin
Result of older OS filename restrictions
Standardized version of HTM
Popularity
Less common
More common
Function
Denotes a web document
Denotes a web document
Browser Compatibility
Interpreted by all modern browsers
Interpreted by all modern browsers
Compare with Definitions
HTM
Contains Hypertext Markup.
The HTM file displayed the content perfectly in the browser.
HTML
Stands for Hypertext Markup Language.
He learned HTML to build his own website.
HTM
Supported by all browsers.
Regardless of the browser, the HTM file opened seamlessly.
HTML
Dominant in web development.
HTML is fundamental for creating web content.
HTM
Born from filename length restrictions.
Due to OS constraints, the HTM format was adopted.
HTML
Standard web document extension.
Developers typically save pages as HTML files.
HTM
Alternate to HTML file extension.
Many older websites use the HTM extension.
HTML
Contains structured content for browsers.
The HTML document displayed images and text on the webpage.
HTM
An extension for web documents.
She saved the webpage as an HTM file.
HTML
A markup language for the web.
Using HTML, she formatted the text and added hyperlinks.
HTML
A markup language used to structure text and multimedia documents and to set up hypertext links between documents, used extensively on the World Wide Web.
HTML
A set of tags and rules (conforming to SGML) for using them in developing hypertext documents
Common Curiosities
Why was HTM used originally?
HTM was used due to older operating systems restricting file extension lengths to three characters.
Which extension should I use for my website, HTM or HTML?
Both work equally well, but HTML is more recognized and widely used today.
Can I rename an HTML file to HTM?
Yes, renaming HTML to HTM (or vice versa) won't impact the file's functionality in browsers.
Are there any functional differences between HTM and HTML?
No, both extensions function identically in browsers.
Are there any advantages to using HTM over HTML?
In modern contexts, there's no significant advantage to using one over the other.
Which is more common, HTM or HTML?
HTML is more commonly used than HTM.
Can an HTML editor open an HTM file?
Yes, HTML editors can open, edit, and save both HTM and HTML files.
Can HTM and HTML coexist in a single website?
Yes, a website can contain a mix of both HTM and HTML files without issues.
Why did the shift from HTM to HTML happen?
As OS filename length restrictions faded, the more descriptive HTML became the standard.
Can all web browsers open HTM files?
Yes, all modern web browsers can open and interpret both HTM and HTML files.
Is the content inside HTM and HTML files the same?
Yes, both HTM and HTML files contain Hypertext Markup Language content.
Is there a difference in file size between HTM and HTML?
The file extension doesn't affect the file's size; only the content does.
Which extension is older, HTM or HTML?
HTM is older, stemming from filename constraints of early operating systems.
Can I convert an HTM file to HTML?
An HTM file can simply be renamed to HTML, as they contain the same content structure.
Do search engines prefer HTML over HTM?
Search engines treat HTM and HTML files equally.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
