Documents

What is a RTF file?

Updated Jul 2026

Definition

RTF (Rich Text Format) is a document format designed to carry formatted text, like bold, italics, fonts, and colors, between different word processors without losing that formatting. It's plain text underneath, so it opens almost anywhere. The tradeoff is that it can't handle the more advanced layout features that modern document formats support.

RTFRich Text Format

Extension: .rtf
Type: Documents
Typically: Cross-app rich text

Why RTF exists

RTF was introduced in the late 1980s as a way to move formatted documents between word processors that otherwise couldn't read each other's files. Instead of a proprietary binary format, RTF describes formatting using readable text codes, so any program that understands the spec can decode it.

In practice, that means an RTF file stores your words plus instructions for how they should look, things like font, size, bold, color, and basic layout, all written in a way that survives being opened on a different computer or operating system. It doesn't compress well and it can't hold the complex layout, tracked changes, or embedded objects that newer document formats manage.

People run into RTF mostly when an older program or system defaults to it, or when they need a format that any word processor on any platform can open without special software. It's also common as an export option from apps that want to guarantee compatibility over fancy features.

The usual reason to convert away from RTF is that a modern format handles images, styles, and collaboration features better, or a specific tool simply expects a different file type.

The trade-offs

Strengths

Opens in nearly any word processor on any platform
Keeps basic formatting like bold, fonts, and color intact
Plain text structure, so it rarely gets corrupted
Doesn't require a specific office suite to read or write

Watch-outs

Much larger file size than modern compressed formats
No support for tracked changes or advanced layout tools
Feels dated for anything beyond simple formatted text
Embedded images can bloat the file considerably

A note on privacy

RTF files are mostly plain text with formatting codes, so they don't usually carry hidden metadata the way photos do, but they can still include author names or embedded content left over from editing. Uploading a document to an online converter sends its full contents, including anything sensitive in the text, to someone else's server. Converting on your own computer means the document never leaves your machine.

Convert a RTF file

Questions

How do I open an RTF file?

Almost any word processor on Mac, Windows, or a phone will open RTF directly, since it's built to be universally readable. If nothing on your device opens it, a plain text editor will at least show the words without the formatting.

Is RTF better than DOCX?

Not really. DOCX compresses better and supports more formatting and collaboration features. RTF's advantage is that it's simpler and opens in almost anything, even very old or unusual software.

Why does my program save files as RTF?

Some apps default to RTF specifically because it's so widely compatible. If you'd rather have a more modern format, most programs let you choose DOCX or another type when you save.

Can I convert RTF without uploading it?

Yes. A desktop app like Morphjet converts RTF on your own computer, so the document's contents never travel over the internet.

Will converting RTF to another format lose my formatting?

Basic formatting like bold, fonts, and color usually carries over fine. RTF never had advanced layout features to begin with, so there's rarely much to lose.

Morphjet opens and converts RTF and 1,800+ other formats, all on your own computer. Launching this July.