Embedding a Microsoft Word document (.doc or .docx) directly into an HTML webpage is possible, but there are multiple methods, and each works differently. Below is a complete, detailed guide covering all approaches, advantages, limitations, and code samples.
✅ 1. Understanding the Problem
Browsers cannot display a Word file directly like they do with HTML, images, or PDFs.
So to “embed” a Word document, you must use:
✔ Online viewers
✔ IFrames
✔ Converting the document to another format
✔ File download links
🟦 2. Method 1: Use an Online Viewer (Most Common)
This displays the Word file inside your webpage using a viewer such as Google Docs Viewer or Microsoft Office Web Viewer.
A. Using Google Docs Viewer (Works for public files)
Step 1 — Upload your .docx file to a public server
(e.g., your website server, Google Drive set to public, OneDrive public link)
Assume URL is:
https://example.com/files/document.docx
Step 2 — Embed using Google Viewer:
<iframe src="https://docs.google.com/gview?url=https://example.com/files/document.docx&embedded=true"
style="width:100%; height:600px;" frameborder="0">
</iframe>
Pros:
✔ Displays Word file inside the page
✔ No conversion needed
✔ Works in all browsers
Cons:
❌ File must be publicly accessible
❌ Requires internet
❌ Google branding appears
B. Using Microsoft Office Web Viewer (Better for .docx)
<iframe src="https://view.officeapps.live.com/op/embed.aspx?src=https://example.com/files/document.docx"
width="100%" height="600px" frameborder="0">
</iframe>
Pros:
✔ Best formatting accuracy for MS Word
✔ Built by Microsoft
✔ Supports doc and docx
Cons:
❌ Requires the file to be on the internet
❌ Will not work offline
3. Method 2: Convert Word to PDF (Best for Compatibility)
Browsers can view PDFs natively, but not Word.
Steps:
- Convert your
.docx→.pdf - Upload the PDF
- Use
<embed>or<iframe>
Example:
<embed src="files/document.pdf" type="application/pdf" width="100%" height="600px" />
Or using iframe:
<iframe src="files/document.pdf" width="100%" height="600px"></iframe>
Pros:
✔ 100% stable viewer
✔ No external services
✔ Works offline
✔ Good for printing
Cons:
❌ Not editable
❌ Document must be converted
🟧 4. Method 3: Provide a Download Link (Simple method)
This does not display the Word file inside the page, but allows users to download it.
<a href="files/document.docx" download>Download Word Document</a>
Pros:
✔ Easiest
✔ Works offline
✔ No conversion needed
Cons:
❌ User must download
❌ Won’t display inside the page
🟥 5. Method 4: Embedding Using Object Tag (Limited Support)
Browsers do not fully support embedding Word docs, but some older browsers did.
<object data="files/document.docx" type="application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.wordprocessingml.document"
width="100%" height="600px">
<p>Your browser cannot display Word documents. <a href="files/document.docx">Download here</a>.</p>
</object>
Pros:
✔ Pure HTML
✔ Works on some intranet systems
Cons:
❌ Most modern browsers will NOT display the Word file
❌ Very unreliable
6. Method 5: Convert Word to HTML
If you want the actual content of the Word document on your webpage, convert it to HTML.
Tools:
- Microsoft Word → Save As → Web Page
- Online converters
- Custom scripts
After conversion, paste the generated HTML into your webpage.
Pros:
✔ Full control over formatting
✔ No external viewer
✔ Works offline
Cons:
❌ Conversion can produce messy HTML
❌ Images and styles may break
7. Which Method Should YOU Use?
| Goal | Best Method |
|---|---|
| Display Word file inside webpage | Office Web Viewer |
| Maximum compatibility | Convert to PDF + iframe |
| Minimal work | Provide download link |
| Display content as part of the page | Convert Word → HTML |
| Offline embedding | PDF only |
Recommendation
For most professional websites, use:
<iframe src="https://view.officeapps.live.com/op/embed.aspx?src=YOUR_FILE_URL"
width="100%" height="600px"></iframe>
This is the most reliable and cleanest way.
Other Courses:
