How to Open Rich Text Format Files on Windows, Mac, and Linux

Rich Text Format files open in any word processor you already have

A Rich Text Format file (the kind with a .rtf extension) is a document that stores text along with basic formatting — bold, italics, font choices, colors, margins. Unlike plain text files, RTF preserves that formatting when you move the file between computers or programs. You can open RTF files in Microsoft Word, Google Docs, Apple Pages, LibreOffice, or dozens of other programs without installing anything new.

The program you use depends on what you have installed and what you plan to do with the document. If you want to edit it, use a word processor. If you only need to read it, a text editor or even a web browser will work. RTF files are designed to be compatible across different operating systems and software, so the file itself will open the same way on Windows, Mac, or Linux.

Key Takeaways

RTF files open in any word processor — Microsoft Word, Google Docs, Pages, or LibreOffice — without conversion.
On Windows, right-click the RTF file, select "Open with", and choose your word processor from the list.
On Mac, double-click the RTF file to open it in the default word processor, or drag it onto a different program to open it there.
If you need to edit the file in a different format later, you can save it as .docx, .pdf, or .txt from within your word processor.

Opening RTF files on Windows

On Windows, RTF files usually open automatically in Microsoft Word if you have it installed. Double-click the file and it will launch in Word. If you do not have Word, or if the file opens in a program you do not want to use, right-click the RTF file and select "Open with". A menu will appear showing the programs on your computer that can open text documents.

Choose the program you want to use — WordPad (built into Windows), Google Docs, LibreOffice Writer, or any other word processor. If the program you want does not appear in the list, click "Choose another app" or "More apps" to see additional options. You can also check a box that says "Always use this app to open .rtf files" so that program becomes your default for RTF files going forward.

Opening RTF files on Mac

On Mac, double-clicking an RTF file opens it in the default word processor, which is usually Apple Pages or TextEdit. The file will open when ready with all its formatting intact. If you want to open the RTF file in a different program — Microsoft Word, Google Docs, or LibreOffice — right-click the file and select "Open With", then choose the program from the submenu.

You can also drag and drop the RTF file directly onto a word processor icon in your Dock or Applications folder. This method works with any program that can open RTF files. If you want to change which program opens RTF files by default, right-click the file, select "Get Info", find the "Open With" section, choose your preferred program, and click "Change All".

Opening RTF files on Linux

Linux does not come with a default word processor, so the method depends on what software you have installed. If you have LibreOffice (the most common free office suite on Linux), right-click the RTF file, select "Open With", and choose LibreOffice Writer. If you have GNOME (the default desktop on many Linux distributions), you can also use gedit or GNOME Text Editor, though these will show the RTF formatting codes rather than the formatted text.

For the best experience on Linux, install LibreOffice if you do not have it already. Most Linux distributions include it in their software repositories. Once installed, you can set LibreOffice Writer as the default program for RTF files by right-clicking the file, selecting "Properties", going to the "Open With" tab, and choosing LibreOffice Writer.

Using Google Docs to open RTF files online

If you do not want to install software, you can upload an RTF file to Google Docs and open it in your web browser. Go to Google Drive, click "New", select "File upload", and choose your RTF file. Once uploaded, right-click the file and select "Open with" > "Google Docs". Google Docs will convert the RTF file to its own format and display it in the editor.

This method works on any device with a web browser and an internet connection. You can edit the document in Google Docs and read it back as an RTF file, a Word document (.docx), or a PDF. Keep in mind that very complex formatting in the original RTF file may not convert perfectly, but basic formatting like bold, italics, and font choices will transfer.

Saving RTF files in a different format

Once you have opened an RTF file in a word processor, you can save it in a different format if you need to. In Microsoft Word, click "File" > "Save As", choose a location, and select a new format from the "Save as type" dropdown — .docx (Word format), .pdf, or .txt (plain text). In Google Docs, click "File" > "read" and choose your format. In LibreOffice Writer, click "File" > "Save As" and select the format you want.

Saving as .docx preserves most formatting and is compatible with newer versions of Microsoft Office. Saving as .pdf locks the formatting so it looks the same on any device, but you cannot edit it as easily later. Saving as .txt removes all formatting and keeps only the plain text. Choose the format based on what you plan to do with the file next.

What to do if an RTF file will not open

If an RTF file will not open, the file may be corrupted or the file extension may be wrong. Try renaming the file to make sure it ends in .rtf. If it does and it still will not open, try opening it with a different word processor — sometimes one program can read a damaged file when another cannot. LibreOffice is often more forgiving with corrupted files than Microsoft Word.

If the file opens but shows strange characters or formatting codes instead of readable text, the file may have been saved with the wrong encoding. Try opening it in a text editor like Notepad (Windows) or TextEdit (Mac) to see the raw content. If you can see the text there, you can copy it and paste it into a new document in your word processor. If the file is completely unreadable, it may be too damaged to recover.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open an RTF file on my phone?

Yes, if you have a word processor app installed. Microsoft Word, Google Docs, and LibreOffice all have mobile versions that open RTF files. Upload the file to Google Drive or email it to yourself, then open it in the app on your phone. The formatting will display correctly on most phones.

Will the formatting stay the same when I open an RTF file in a different program?

Usually yes, but not always. Basic formatting like bold, italics, font size, and colors transfer between most programs. Complex formatting like tables, headers, or custom styles may not display exactly the same way. If exact formatting is critical, save the file as a PDF instead, which locks the appearance.

What is the difference between RTF and DOCX?

Both are word processor formats that store text and formatting, but DOCX (Microsoft Word format) is newer and more widely used. DOCX supports more advanced features like tracked changes and comments. RTF is older and simpler, which makes it more compatible across different programs and operating systems. If you need to share a document with many people, RTF is often the safer choice.

Do I need to convert an RTF file to use it?

No. RTF files open directly in any word processor without conversion. You only need to convert an RTF file if you want to change it to a different format — like DOCX, PDF, or plain text — for a specific reason, such as sharing with someone who uses a particular program.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.