---
title: "Inserting HTML Dynamically in Java"
---
You can insert HTML to your reports dynamically by using one of the following two options.
The first one is using of an expression tag with an `html` switch applied as follows.
{{< highlight csharp >}}
<<[html_text_expression] -html>>
{{< /highlight >}}
This option is useful when you need to override formatting of some parts of an expression result, for example, highlight a word with a bold or italic font while staying consistent with styles of a template document. For more information on dynamic HTML insertion using this approach, see “Outputting Expression Results”.
The second option for dynamic HTML insertion is using of an `html` tag. An `html` tag denotes a placeholder within a template for an HTML block to be inserted during runtime. Its syntax is defined as follows.
{{< highlight csharp >}}
<>
{{< /highlight >}}
**Note** – An `html` tag is forbidden within charts.
While building a report, an expression declared within an `html` tag is evaluated and its result as a string is interpreted as an HTML block which content replaces the `html` tag then.
In its base usage, an `html` tag behaves exactly the same as an expression tag with an `html` switch applied. In particular, it makes the engine to use corresponding styles of a template document. This makes content of a result document look more consistent. However, you can keep source HTML formatting for content being inserted (to make it look like in a browser) by using a `sourceStyles` switch as shown in the following snippet.
{{< highlight csharp >}}
<>
{{< /highlight >}}
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## FAQ
1. **Q:** How do I insert HTML using an expression tag with the `-html` switch?
**A:** Place the expression inside double‑angle brackets and add the `-html` switch, e.g., `<<[myHtml] -html>>`. The engine evaluates the expression, treats the result as HTML, and inserts it while applying the template’s styles.
2. **Q:** When should I prefer the `html` tag over an expression tag with `-html`?
**A:** Use the `html` tag when you want a clear placeholder in the template that will be completely replaced by the evaluated HTML at runtime. It is especially handy for larger HTML blocks or when you need the `sourceStyles` option.
3. **Q:** Can I use the `html` tag inside a chart?
**A:** No. The `html` tag is forbidden within chart definitions. Attempting to do so will cause a runtime error. Use plain text or image placeholders inside charts instead.
4. **Q:** How can I preserve the original HTML styling (fonts, colors, etc.) when inserting it?
**A:** Add the `-sourceStyles` switch to the `html` tag, e.g., `<>`. This tells the engine to keep the HTML’s own styling rather than mapping it to the template’s styles.