How to Use the Command 'xmlto' (with Examples)

The xmlto command is a versatile tool employed to apply XSL stylesheets to XML documents. It simplifies the process of converting XML files into various formats such as PDF, HTML, and more. This tool is particularly valuable in scenarios where XML content needs to be rendered or displayed in a different format for publishing, sharing, or archiving purposes. With easy-to-use options and support for a variety of output formats, xmlto is a powerful utility in the toolkit of developers and document managers.

Use Case 1: Convert a DocBook XML Document to PDF Format

Code:

xmlto pdf document.xml

Motivation:
In many professional environments, the PDF format is a preferred choice for distributing documents. PDF files ensure consistent formatting across different devices and platforms, thus maintaining the document’s intended appearance. Converting a DocBook XML document to PDF enables you to create a polished and reliable document for presentations, official communications, or archiving.

Explanation:

• xmlto: The command being used, responsible for applying an XSL stylesheet to an XML document.
• pdf: The desired output format. Here, it specifies the conversion target is a PDF file.
• document.xml: The source XML document in DocBook format to be converted.

Example Output:
Upon successful execution, a PDF file named document.pdf is generated in the current directory, closely reflecting the original content of document.xml with enhanced formatting suitable for distribution or publication.

Use Case 2: Convert a DocBook XML Document to HTML Format and Store the Resulting Files in a Separate Directory

Code:

xmlto -o path/to/html_files html document.xml

Motivation:
HTML conversion is essential for web publishing, allowing content to be accessible through browsers. By storing HTML files in a separate directory, users can maintain organized project structures, making it easier to manage the different components of a web-ready document.

Explanation:

• xmlto: The command used to transform XML content with designated stylesheets.
• -o path/to/html_files: The -o option specifies the output directory where the resultant files will be stored. This keeps the project files organized and segregated.
• html: Indicates that the output format of the conversion process is HTML.
• document.xml: The input XML file that contains the DocBook content to be transformed.

Example Output:
A directory named html_files is created at the specified path, containing multiple HTML files representing different parts of the document, such as chapters or sections, ready for use in a website or online documentation.

Use Case 3: Convert a DocBook XML Document to a Single HTML File

Code:

xmlto html-nochunks document.xml

Motivation:
Sometimes, a single, continuous HTML document is preferable for ease of reading or simplified file management. This is particularly useful when the output document is relatively small and doesn’t require splitting into multiple segments or when a continuous scrollable document is needed for a web page.

Explanation:

• xmlto: The command facilitating the conversion and application of stylesheets.
• html-nochunks: This output format specification tells xmlto to generate a solitary HTML document instead of splitting it into multiple files or “chunks.”
• document.xml: The initial XML document written in DocBook format, which is to be converted into an HTML format.

Example Output:
A single HTML file named document.html is produced, encompassing all content from the source XML document. It allows for a smooth reading experience in web browsers without the necessity of navigating between several pages.

Use Case 4: Specify a Stylesheet to Use While Converting a DocBook XML Document

Code:

xmlto -x stylesheet.xsl output_format document.xml

Motivation:
By specifying a custom stylesheet, users can exert a high degree of control over how the XML content is transformed and displayed. This allows for customization of the document’s design according to specific aesthetic or branding requirements, ensuring consistency across publications or outputs.

Explanation:

• xmlto: The command enabling the transformation of XML documents.
• -x stylesheet.xsl: The -x option is employed to designate a specific XSL stylesheet (stylesheet.xsl) to be applied during the conversion process. This stylesheet dictates the transformation rules and formatting.
• output_format: Represents the desired outcome format (e.g., pdf, html) for the converted XML.
• document.xml: The source document in XML format to be transformed according to the specified stylesheet.

Example Output:
A customized document in the chosen output format, formatted according to the rules defined in stylesheet.xsl, potentially resulting in a more tailored presentation that meets specific design criteria or standards.

Conclusion

The xmlto command is a powerful tool for transforming XML documents into various formats, offering flexibility and customization through the use of different options and stylesheets. Whether you need to distribute documents in PDF for consistent presentation, organize content in web-readable HTML, or apply custom styling, xmlto provides a straightforward solution to meet diverse document transformation needs.