RTF is a text format that works across different programs and operating systems

An RTF file (Rich Text Format) is a document that contains text with basic formatting — like bold, italics, font choices, and colors — but stays straightforward enough to open in almost any word processor. Microsoft created RTF in 1987 as a way to share formatted documents without losing the formatting when someone opened it in a different program.

The key difference between RTF and plain text is that RTF remembers your formatting choices. If you save a document as plain text (.txt), all the bold and italics disappear. If you save it as RTF (.rtf), those choices stay intact when someone else opens the file, whether they use Microsoft Word, Google Docs, Apple Pages, or a free program like LibreOffice.

RTF files are smaller than Word documents (.docx) and don't require Microsoft Office to open. This makes them useful when you need to share a formatted document with someone and you're not sure what software they have installed.

Key Takeaways

  • RTF files preserve basic formatting like bold, italics, and font choices across different programs and computers.
  • RTF is simpler and smaller than modern Word documents (.docx), making it a good choice for sharing with people who use different software.
  • You can open an RTF file in nearly any word processor — Microsoft Word, Google Docs, Apple Pages, LibreOffice, and many others.
  • RTF does not support advanced features like tables, images, or complex layouts the way modern Word documents do.

What RTF can and cannot do

RTF handles the basics well: text color, font type and size, bold, italics, underline, line spacing, and paragraph alignment. It also supports straightforward lists and footnotes. If your document is mostly text with straightforward formatting, RTF preserves it reliably.

RTF has real limits. It does not handle images, tables, or complex page layouts. If you try to save a Word document full of charts and images as RTF, you will lose the images and the formatting will shift. RTF also does not support modern features like tracked changes or comments the way Word does.

When to use RTF instead of other formats

Use RTF when you need to share a formatted document with someone and you do not know what software they have. If your coworker uses a Mac and you use Windows, or if one of you has an older version of Word, RTF is safer than .docx because it opens everywhere.

RTF is also useful for long-term storage of straightforward documents. Because the format has not changed much since 1987, an RTF file you save today will almost certainly open in any word processor ten years from now. Newer formats change more often, and software companies sometimes stop supporting older versions.

Do not use RTF if your document contains images, complex tables, or advanced formatting. For those documents, stick with .docx (Word format) or .pdf (if you want to prevent editing).

How to open an RTF file

Opening an RTF file is straightforward because nearly every word processor recognizes the format. On Windows, you can double-click an .rtf file and it will open in Notepad, WordPad, or Microsoft Word depending on what you have installed. On a Mac, it opens in TextEdit or Word.

If you use Google Docs, you can upload an RTF file and Google will convert it automatically. The same is true for most online word processors. Some will ask you to choose a format when you upload; select RTF or let the program detect it.

If an RTF file does not open when you double-click it, right-click (or Control-click on a Mac) and choose "Open With" to pick a different program. Any word processor on your computer will work.

Converting to and from RTF

Converting a document to RTF is straightforward in any word processor. Open the file, go to File > Save As, and choose RTF from the format dropdown. The program will save a copy in RTF format while keeping your original file unchanged.

Converting from RTF to another format works the same way. Open the RTF file, choose Save As, and pick your target format — .docx for Word, .odt for LibreOffice, .pdf to prevent editing, or .txt if you want plain text only.

Be aware that converting from RTF to a simpler format (like .txt) will strip formatting. Converting from RTF to a more complex format (like .docx) will preserve the formatting RTF supports, but you will not gain new features — you will just have more room to add them later.

RTF versus Word documents and other formats

The main difference between RTF and .docx (Word format) is compatibility and features. Word documents support images, complex tables, tracked changes, and many other advanced tools. RTF supports only basic formatting. However, Word documents are larger files and require Word or a compatible program to open without losing formatting.

RTF is simpler and more universal than Word, but less capable. Plain text (.txt) is more universal still, but loses all formatting. PDF is better if you want to share a finished document that should not be edited. Choose based on what your document contains and who needs to open it.

Why RTF still exists even though it is older

RTF has survived for over 35 years because it solves a real problem: sharing formatted text across different systems without special software. Even though Word documents are now common, RTF remains useful for people who switch between programs, work on different operating systems, or need documents that will open reliably years from now.

Many programs still support RTF because it is straightforward to build into software and does not require licensing fees. It is not flashy or feature-rich, but it works consistently, which is why you still encounter RTF files in professional settings, especially in publishing and legal work where documents need to move between different systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open an RTF file on my phone?

Yes, most word processor apps for phones and tablets support RTF. On iPhone or iPad, you can open RTF in Pages or Microsoft Word. On Android, Google Docs, Microsoft Word, and LibreOffice all open RTF files. Some basic text editors also support it.

Is RTF the same as a Word document?

No. RTF is simpler and more universal. Word documents (.docx) support advanced features like images, complex tables, and tracked changes. RTF supports only basic formatting. Word documents are larger and require Word or compatible software to preserve all formatting.

Will I lose formatting if I convert an RTF file to Word?

No. Converting RTF to Word (.docx) preserves all the formatting that RTF supports — bold, italics, fonts, colors, and line spacing. You will not gain new features, but you will not lose what was already there.

Why would anyone use RTF instead of just emailing a Word document?

RTF files are smaller and open in more programs without requiring Microsoft Office. If you are sharing with someone who uses older software, a different operating system, or a free word processor, RTF is more reliable than .docx.

Can I put images in an RTF file?

Some word processors allow you to embed images in RTF, but the format does not officially support them. The image may not appear when someone opens the file in a different program. For documents with images, use Word (.docx) or PDF instead.