Rich Text Format Conversions
RTF (Rich Text Format) is a universal document format readable by virtually any word processor. Convert RTF to DOCX for full Microsoft Word compatibility with advanced formatting options. Transform to ODT for LibreOffice users or extract plain text when you only need the content. RTF serves as an excellent intermediate format for document exchange, and our tools help you convert it to the format that best fits your workflow.
Understanding the RTF Format
Rich Text Format (RTF) was developed by Microsoft in the late 1980s as a universal document interchange format. Unlike proprietary formats, RTF is openly documented and supported by virtually every word processor created in the last three decades—from Microsoft Word to LibreOffice, Google Docs to Apple Pages, and countless legacy applications still in use today.
RTF stores documents as readable text with embedded formatting commands, making it remarkably resilient. An RTF file created 30 years ago can still be opened and edited today. This longevity makes RTF valuable for document archival and cross-platform sharing where you cannot control what software recipients use.
RTF Format Capabilities and Limitations
RTF supports core formatting features including fonts, sizes, colors, bold, italic, underline, paragraph alignment, margins, tabs, tables, and embedded images. It handles headers, footers, page numbers, and basic document structure. Most everyday documents convert to RTF without losing essential formatting.
Modern features like tracked changes, comments, advanced table styles, and embedded objects may not transfer perfectly to RTF. If you need these capabilities, convert to DOCX or ODT instead. RTF works best for text-focused documents where core formatting matters more than advanced features.
When to Choose RTF Conversion
Convert to RTF when sharing documents with users on unknown or legacy systems. RTF opens in Windows WordPad (included with every Windows installation), making it accessible even without commercial software. Legal firms, government agencies, and organizations with mixed IT environments often use RTF for document distribution.
Convert from RTF when you need modern document features. Moving RTF to DOCX enables tracked changes, advanced styles, and better collaboration tools. Converting to ODT provides similar capabilities in an open-source, vendor-neutral format. Extracting to TXT removes all formatting when you need raw text.
RTF in Modern Workflows
Despite being decades old, RTF remains relevant in specific scenarios. Email clients often use RTF for rich text composition. Some content management systems accept RTF for formatted content import. Legal document management systems may require RTF for compatibility with older case files and archives.
When receiving RTF documents, consider converting to a modern format for easier editing. DOCX provides Microsoft Office compatibility with advanced features. ODT offers open-standard compliance and works across platforms. Choose based on your typical workflow and recipient requirements.
RTF Conversion Best Practices
Use standard fonts when creating documents destined for RTF conversion—Arial, Times New Roman, and Courier have universal support. Avoid complex formatting that RTF cannot represent. Test converted documents in multiple applications if broad compatibility is your goal.
Keep original documents in their native format as master copies. Generate RTF versions for distribution as needed. When archiving, RTF provides excellent long-term compatibility—files created today will remain readable for decades, making it suitable for permanent records and historical preservation.
RTF Versions and Compatibility
RTF has evolved through multiple versions since 1987. Version 1.0 supported basic formatting; later versions added tables, embedded objects, and Unicode text. Most modern software reads all RTF versions, but very old applications may not support newer features like Unicode characters.
For maximum compatibility with legacy systems, use basic RTF features: standard fonts, simple formatting, and ASCII text. When Unicode or special characters are essential, modern RTF handles them well, but verify that target applications support the full character set.
Email and RTF
Many email clients use RTF for rich text composition. Microsoft Outlook stores rich text emails in RTF internally. When copying formatted text between email and word processors, RTF serves as an intermediate format that preserves basic formatting without compatibility issues.
For email attachments, RTF offers a middle ground between plain TXT (no formatting) and DOCX (requires specific software). Recipients can open RTF attachments with any word processor, making it suitable when you don't know what software your recipients have installed.