Convert WordStar .WS to HTML
Publish decades of WordStar documents to an intranet or knowledge base — browser-readable and indexable.
TL;DR
Install the free WordStar Converter trial, add your .ws files, choose HTML, and convert. Each document becomes a browser-readable page with headings and emphasis intact — no plugins, no uploads.
How to convert WordStar to HTML — step by step
Install WordStar Converter (free trial)
Download the installer for Windows 10/11. The trial converts up to 10 files with all features enabled.
Add the documents you want to publish
Drag in files or a folder tree, and choose whether the output mirrors your original folder hierarchy.
Choose HTML as the output format
Select HTML. Extended characters (the 1Bh xx 1Ch sequences) are decoded into Unicode instead of leftover escape bytes.
Review and publish
Open a few pages in your browser, then copy the output into your intranet or static site.
Why convert WordStar files to HTML?
HTML is the only format everyone in an organization can open with zero friction. Converting a WordStar archive to HTML turns documents nobody could read into intranet pages your staff can search and cite.
Headings from WordStar print controls become real heading elements, so full-text indexing captures structure instead of a flat dump of 8-bit text.
Safer than free online converters
Online converters require uploading confidential WordStar documents to third-party servers. WordStar Converter runs entirely on your Windows PC — nothing is uploaded.
That matters for contracts, case files, board minutes, and any archive covered by privilege, GDPR, HIPAA, or confidentiality clauses.
FAQ
Is there a free way to convert .WS to HTML?
Yes. The free trial of WordStar Converter converts up to 10 files with full features — no signup and no watermarks. Unlimited conversions are a one-time $39.95 license (no subscription).
Is this an online converter? Do my files get uploaded?
No. WordStar Converter is a Windows desktop app. Every conversion runs locally on your PC. Nothing is uploaded.
Can I convert an entire folder of WordStar files at once?
Yes. Point the app at a folder (it scans subfolders), select HTML as the output, and it batch-converts .ws, .wsd, and .ws3–.ws8 files in parallel.
Which WordStar versions are supported?
WordStar Converter reads classic WordStar documents through Release 7, including high-bit wrap flags, print controls, and later symmetrical sequences.
What happens to WordStar print controls in HTML?
Emphasis controls become HTML tags. Soft hyphens, line-end wrap flags, and extended characters are decoded instead of showing up as garbage.
Related conversions
Put your WordStar archive on the intranet
Free trial converts 10 files to HTML — batch, offline, ready to publish.
Free trial
Full app features — up to 10 files
Windows 10 or 11
Download the Windows installer for the full 10-file trial. Same app you unlock with a license — 100% local on your PC.