What is the difference between BuildVu-HTML and BuildVu-SVG?

BuildVu-HTML converts PDF files to HTML5 whilst BuildVu-SVG converts PDF files to SVG. In practice, both versions are similar and a lot of functionality is shared.

Generally, BuildVu-SVG is used when maximum display accuracy is required, and BuildVu-HTML when greater flexibility is needed.

BuildVu-HTML makes use of SVG under-the-hood, and the primary difference between the versions is how text is handled. BuildVu-HTML displays text using HTML, and BuildVu-SVG using SVG.

BuildVu-HTML

• Generates .html files (which may make use of SVG under-the-hood, depending on settings)
• Text is generated using <span> HTML tags
• Text is brought to the front layer for selection purposes
• Does not support text kerning (so text positioning may not be precise)
• Provides greater compatibility with other tools that work with HTML

BuildVu-SVG

• Generates .svg files
• Text is generated using <text> SVG tags or converted to <path> shapes
• Supports text kerning (which allows for more precise positioning of text)
• Text is layered accurately between other content
• Typically used in scenarios where maximum display accuracy is required

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