Before you start
- A local .html or .htm file, downloaded from cloud storage if necessary.
- Preserve the folder structure for linked images and CSS, and grant access to their folder.
- Start with a self-contained page. Network resources depend on connectivity and permissions.
Step by step
Open the source
Choose an HTML file in PatchDoc, or save the example below as hello.html. Confirm it contains the intended source rather than a saved download error.
Preview and edit
Switch to HTML Preview to inspect headings, paragraphs, and layout. Return to source to change text or styles. Use the landscape preview entry point for wide content when needed.
Check linked resources
A path such as images/chart.png must resolve to a real file relative to the HTML document. Access to a single file may not include its resources. Sharing only the HTML can leave dependencies behind.
Export a PDF
Choose Export PDF in the HTML section of the file menu, wait for rendering, and pick a destination. Review page breaks and margins; scrolling and interactive controls do not become PDF interactions.
Save source and inspect output
Save the edited HTML separately. Reopen the exported PDF and check the final page, long tables, images, and text.
A self-contained test page
HTML<!doctype html>
<html lang="en">
<meta charset="utf-8">
<meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1">
<title>Reading notes</title>
<style>body{font:18px/1.7 system-ui;margin:32px}h1{color:#245ca6}</style>
<h1>Reading notes</h1>
<p>Check the preview before exporting a PDF.</p>
</html>Save the complete example as hello.html to test headings and styles before adding your own resources.
Check your result
Keep the HTML and its required resources, and reopen the PDF to verify the text, images, and last page.
Scope and limitations
- This is source editing and preview, rather than a visual website builder or complete offline capture of any online site.
- Remote fonts, images, script-generated content, and complex print styles can affect rendering. Screen layout and PDF pagination may differ.
- Large-file lightweight mode may disable live preview and advanced exports. Keep the source and test the workflow with a small file first.
Troubleshooting
Images or CSS are missing
Check relative paths, case, downloaded resources, and folder access. Remote resources also need connectivity.
PDF pagination differs from the webpage
A webpage scrolls continuously while a PDF has pages. Check long tables, fixed positioning, and edges; simplify the layout and export again.
Preview or export is unavailable
Confirm the file is recognized as HTML rather than TXT, and check whether lightweight mode is active. Try the small example on this page.
Common questions
Can I export an AI-generated HTML report?
Open the actual HTML file, check its content and dependencies, then try PDF export. Login-dependent or complex script-driven sites may not convert completely.
Does PDF export save my HTML changes?
Save the source separately so you can continue editing. The PDF is a reading or delivery copy.
Instructions reflect the reviewed feature set. Control placement may vary by version.