Documents conversion
Convert RTF to TXT
Updated Jul 2026
RTF is the rich text format word processors use to store formatting like bold, italics, and fonts. TXT strips all of that away and keeps just the characters. To convert, open the RTF file in a converter and export it as TXT. Doing this on your own computer means the document's contents never have to leave your machine.
- Extension
- .rtf
- Type
- Documents
- Typically
- Cross-app rich text
- Extension
- .txt
- Type
- Documents
- Typically
- Plain text files
Convert RTF to TXT on your own computer. Nothing uploads.
How to convert RTF to TXT
- Open Morphjet and drag in the RTF file, or a whole folder of them, to convert several at once.
- Choose TXT as the output format.
- Convert. The plain text file is written next to the original, and nothing leaves your machine.
RTF vs TXT: what actually changes
| RTF | TXT | |
|---|---|---|
| Opens everywhere | Yes, in most word processors, though older or simpler apps may not | Yes, in any text editor, code tool, or script on any device |
| Formatting (bold, italics, fonts, colors) | Yes, fully supported | No, plain characters only |
| File size | Larger, formatting markup adds overhead | Smaller, just the raw text |
| Embedded images or objects | Yes, can hold them | No, dropped entirely |
| Text content | Preserved exactly | Preserved exactly, minus the formatting around it |
When to convert, and when not to
Convert RTF to TXT when you need the words without the formatting, for example importing into a database, feeding into a script, version-controlling a document, or opening it on a system that only reads plain text.
Keep the RTF if the bold, italics, fonts, or embedded images matter, because none of that survives the trip to TXT.
Why not just use an online converter?
RTF documents can carry more than just the visible text, sometimes including author names or revision history tucked into the file. Uploading a document to an online converter means a stranger's server processes, and often stores, a copy of it. Converting on your own computer keeps the document's contents, and whatever else is riding along in the file, entirely on your machine.
Questions
Does converting RTF to TXT lose anything?
Yes, but only the formatting. Bold, italics, fonts, colors, and any embedded images are all stripped out. The words themselves come through exactly as written.
Will the TXT file keep the author or document metadata?
No. TXT is just characters, so anything RTF stored beyond the visible text, like author info or revision history, doesn't carry over.
Can I convert RTF to TXT without uploading the file anywhere?
Yes. A desktop app like Morphjet reads and converts the file on your own computer, so the document never has to touch the internet.
Why would I want plain text instead of a formatted document?
Plain text opens anywhere, works cleanly with scripts and code, and is easy to track changes on. It's the common denominator format when formatting isn't the point.
Does TXT support accented letters and other languages?
Yes, as long as the text encoding is preserved. Morphjet keeps the encoding intact so accented letters and non-English characters convert correctly.
Morphjet converts RTF, TXT, and 1,800+ other formats, all on your machine. Launching this July.