# Defining HTML file preferences

To define general HTML file preferences, complete the following steps:

1. From the Window menu, select Preferences.
2. In the Preferences window, select Web and XML > HTML Files.
3. Specify the following settings related to saving an HTML source page. The defaults are recommended and should only be modified when there is a specific reason to do so.
   Line delimiter
     Specify the appropriate EOL character for your environment. The default is No translation.
   Add this suffix
     Specify a default suffix for files that you save. The default is `html`.
   Encoding, IANA, (Use workbench default)
     Specify the default encoding (code page) for files that you create. The default is the Workbench's encoding preference.
   Insert DOCTYPE declaration
     Optionally, you can automatically add a DOCTYPE declaration to HTML files. The default DOCTYPE is determined when you create an HTML file or a JSP file using a wizard. If you add the DOCTYPE declaration, you should include at least a Public ID specification, and, optionally, a System ID.
   Insert GENERATOR with META tag
     Optionally, select the check box to specify GENERATOR in a META tag in the HTML file header.
   Loading files
     Specify the default encoding (code page) for files that you open. The default is the Workbench's encoding preference. Deselect the Use workbench default check box to select another encoding.
     Note: Encoding detection (when loading files) is performed in the following order:
     - Locate the encoding name embedded in the document.
     - When no encoding is embedded in the document, an automatic encoding detector attempts to determine encoding used in the document.
     - If the encoding still cannot be determined, the encoding defined in the Encoding field is used.
4. Click Apply then OK to save your changes.

Related concepts
The Web perspective
Workbench integration with Web editors

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