Portable Web Documents – An Alternative to PDF Based on HTML5 (2019)

Original Article ↗ Hacker News Discussion ↗

A 2019 proposal for “portable web documents” based on HTML5 revives a long-running tension between fixed-layout PDFs and reflowable, browser-native formats like HTML and EPUB. Commenters weigh the trade-offs around typography, pagination, annotations, digital signatures, long‑term preservation, security, and ease of reading on everything from phones to printers. Many see clear use cases where HTML‑like formats would be superior, but conclude that PDF’s stability, ubiquity, and print-perfect layout keep it entrenched for now.

PDF vs HTML as Document Formats

  • Many argue most everyday PDFs could be self-contained HTML; PDF mainly serves publishers and print workflows.
  • Others counter that PDFs give consistent, “print-perfect” layout, universal readability, and reliable pagination across platforms.
  • HTML is praised for flexibility, reflow, accessibility, and being simpler text, but criticized for inconsistent rendering, dependence on browser defaults, and difficulty achieving precise layout.

EPUB and Other HTML-Based Alternatives

  • EPUB (zipped XHTML + assets) is frequently mentioned as the standards-based answer, but good “document-viewer-style” readers are seen as lacking.
  • Some like EPUB for novels and pure text; many say PDFs are superior for technical books, code, diagrams, and complex layouts.
  • EPUB limitations noted: weak or absent standardized annotations, unclear support for fixed layouts and long-term preservation, and library-centric UX of most readers.

Layout, Pagination, and Reading Experience

  • Strong divide between fixed layout (PDF) vs reflow (HTML/EPUB).
  • Fixed layout: valued for typesetting, branding, references like “page 54”, and complex print design.
  • Reflow: valued for phone/e-reader usability, user-controlled fonts and sizes, and screen-based reading.
  • Debate over whether page-based citation is inherently good; some propose logical references (chapters, figures, anchors) instead.

Annotations, Signatures, and Preservation

  • PDF has mature, spec-defined annotations and digital signatures (especially in business and EU contexts).
  • Some say signatures are critical in real-world workflows; others see them as niche.
  • PDF/A is cited as preservation-focused; some argue HTML is inherently durable because it’s simple text, though full rendering engines are complex.

Self‑Contained Web Documents (MHTML, SingleFile, ZIP)

  • Multiple existing approaches: MHTML, SingleFile, WebScrapbook, zipped HTML/EPUB, self-extracting ZIP-in-HTML.
  • Critics say the proposed format overlaps heavily with these and doesn’t clearly justify reinventing vs extending EPUB/MHTML.

Security and Feature Scope

  • Concern that adding full web capabilities (JS, video, WASM, service workers) recreates PDF’s attack surface or worse.
  • Some argue the browser sandbox is relatively strong; others stress that sandbox escapes are frequent and a restricted feature set would be safer.

Project Status and Adoption

  • The site still advertises “early access” years later; mobile apps appear removed, raising doubts about maturity and adoption.