---
title: "HTML RTE vs JSON RTE"
description: "Compare HTML RTE and JSON RTE in Contentstack to choose between flexible structured storage or traditional HTML-based content editing."
url: "https://www.contentstack.com/docs/headless-cms/html-rte-vs-json-rte"
product: "Contentstack"
doc_type: "guide"
audience:
  - developers
  - admins
version: "current"
last_updated: "2026-06-23"
---

# HTML RTE vs JSON RTE

JSON RTE stores content in a structured plain-text format, allowing it to be read and processed by various programming languages. In contrast, HTML RTE stores content exclusively as HTML markup, which may reduce interoperability and flexibility across platforms.

## Code Representation

The following examples illustrate the differences between content storage in HTML RTE and JSON RTE as displayed in the source code viewer:

**HTML RTE:**

```
<p>This RTE is amazing.</p>
```

**JSON RTE:**

```
{
  "json_rte": {
    "type": "doc",
    "attrs": {},
    "uid": "a52aa19f3af54a61a32f1724831dc084",
    "children": [
      {
        "type": "p",
        "attrs": {},
        "uid": "c0a9f4affcef4409b3d23857d35f863b",
        "children": [
          { "text": "This RTE is " },
          { "text": "amazing", "bold": true },
          { "text": "." }
        ]
      }
    ]
  }
}
```

## HTML RTE vs JSON RTE

Unlike the HTML RTE, the JSON RTE does not include a source code viewer, simplifying content creation and minimizing the potential for coding errors.

![Comparison of HTML RTE and JSON RTE UI](https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/blt2d43f51baca745a8/blt9dc4cea7c12b0c99/6819d17ca6dd344410227d6a/1._difference_image.png "image_tooltip")

## Comparison Between HTML RTE and JSON RTE

Feature

HTML RTE

JSON RTE

Content Storage

Stores content as HTML markup

Stores content as structured JSON blocks

Editing Environment

Includes an HTML source code viewer

Does not include an HTML source code viewer

Flexibility

Limited to HTML; less adaptable across frameworks

Highly flexible; integrates with multiple frameworks

Developer Interaction

Requires direct manipulation of HTML elements

Enables modular handling of content through JSON

Content Reusability

Limited by rigid HTML structure

Content is modular and highly reusable

Error Management

Higher risk of manual coding errors

Reduced errors through controlled, structure-based editing

Audience Suitability

Best suited for users familiar with HTML coding

Suitable for both technical and non-technical users