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When to Paste Your HTML Directly vs Uploading a Zip or Folder

Paste a single HTML file, or upload a zip when you need CSS, images, audio, or video your plan allows.

Who it's for

  • New users who have an HTML file and want to host it on HTMLPUT
  • Anyone deciding between the paste editor and the zip/folder uploader
  • Users who have encountered size limits or formatting surprises

Quick decision guide

SituationBest method
Single HTML file, no external assetsPaste directly
Single HTML file with inline CSS/JS onlyPaste directly
Multiple files (images, CSS, JS)Upload a zip or folder
Files total over the free bundle quotaPaste instead, or reduce assets
You're testing a quick snippet or demoPaste directly
A client needs a complete static siteUpload a zip or folder

Steps

  1. Check how many files you have. If it's just one .html file, paste your HTML into the editor — it's the fastest route. See Create an account and host your first HTML page for a walkthrough.
  1. Check if you're linking external files (images, stylesheets, scripts). If yes, you'll need to upload a zip or folder — see Upload a zip or folder site for details on how to bundle and host them.
  1. Consider file sizes and media. Large images count toward quota. Audio needs Plus or higher; video needs Ultra. Both still count toward upload quota if you upload a zip. Pasting keeps everything in one lightweight block without media files.
  1. Want to share it and control access? Once hosted, understand your share link so visitors know exactly how they can open it — including whether a password is required.
  1. Sign in and manage from History. After publishing, use History to manage your pages so you can revisit, update, or delete them later.

Gotchas

  • Pasting works for a single file. Complex multi-file sites will break if split across paste blocks.
  • Uploading a zip that exceeds your quota, your plan’s file count, or includes audio/video your plan does not support will fail — check zip upload troubleshooting before retrying.
  • Pasted content may strip or reformat some characters (e.g., & in attributes). Use the upload method for production-grade HTML.

Not sure which method fits your project? Start hosting now — you can always switch later from the host toolbar.