Windows
Compatible applications
Quick Facts
Basic information about this file format
Extension
.MHT
File Type
MHTML Web Archive
Category
Data
Best first step
Use compatible software
Quick Summary
A practical overview of the .mht file format
MHTML (MIME HTML) is a web page archive format used to combine, in a single document, the HTML code and its associated resources such as images, audio, video, Flash animations, and other media. The content is encoded as MIME data, similar to email attachments. MHTML files are often used to save com…
File extension
.MHT
File type
MHTML Web Archive
Category
Data
Recommended action
Open with a trusted compatible app
How to open a .mht file
Start with a trusted app that supports this format
- Check the file extension carefully and confirm that the file name really ends with .mht.
- Use software that supports this file type. If one app does not work, try another compatible program for the same platform.
- Update the application if the file was created by a newer version of the software.
- Scan files from unknown sources before opening them, especially documents, archives, scripts, installers, and executable files.
What is a .mht file?
File extension details and usage information
MHTML (MIME HTML) is a web page archive format used to combine, in a single document, the HTML code and its associated resources such as images, audio, video, Flash animations, and other media. The content is encoded as MIME data, similar to email attachments. MHTML files are often used to save complete web pages for offline viewing or archiving. This format ensures that all elements of the web page are preserved within a single file, eliminating the need to manage multiple linked files. It's particularly useful for sharing web content without relying on a live internet connection or worrying about broken links. While widely supported by older versions of Internet Explorer, support in other browsers has varied. Modern browsers often offer alternative methods for saving web pages, such as saving as a single HTML file or creating a folder containing the HTML and associated resources. However, MHTML remains a viable option for archiving web content, especially when compatibility with older systems is a concern.
Software Compatibility
Programs that may open or work with .mht files
macOS
Compatible applications
Linux
Compatible applications
Mobile
Mobile applications
Can .mht files be converted?
Options for saving or exporting this file to another format
In many cases, a .mht file can be converted by opening it in compatible software and using an option such as Save As, Export, or Convert. The available output formats depend on the file type and the application used.
- Use the original software that created the file when possible.
- Check whether the application supports exporting to common formats.
- Be careful with online converters when working with private, business, or sensitive files.
- If conversion fails, the file may be corrupted, incomplete, encrypted, or not actually a .mht file.
Why can't I open a .mht file?
Common reasons this file type may not open correctly
Wrong software
The file may require a specific program that supports the .mht format.
Incorrect extension
The file extension may have been renamed manually, even though the actual file format is different.
Corrupted file
The file may be incomplete, damaged during download, or transferred incorrectly.
Outdated app
Your software may need to be updated before it can open newer versions of this file format.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about .mht files
To open a .mht file, use software that supports this file format.
- Internet Explorer
- Microsoft Edge
- Google Chrome (with extension)
- Mozilla Firefox (with extension)
- Opera
Open the file in compatible software and look for options such as Save As, Export, or Convert. If no export option is available, the file may require a specialized converter or the original application that created it.
- Verify that the file extension is correct.
- Install or update compatible software.
- Try another application that supports this format.
- Check whether the file is corrupted, incomplete, or encrypted.
A file extension alone does not guarantee whether a file is safe or unsafe. Only open files from trusted sources, scan unknown files before opening them, and be especially careful with executable, script, archive, and document files.
File safety tips
Use caution with unknown files
Only open files from trusted sources. Before opening a .mht file, scan it with antivirus software, verify that the file extension is expected, and avoid running unknown executable, installer, macro-enabled document, or script files.