RTF Rich Text File Format Introduced and documented by Microsoft, the Rich Text Format (RTF) represents a method of encoding formatted text and graphics for use within applications. The format facilitates cross-platform document exchange with other Microsoft Products, thus serving the purpose of interoperability. The RFT file extension indicates to your device which app can open the file. However, different programs may use the RFT file type for different types of data. We are aware of 1 different use of the RFT extension, which you can read more about below. 1 known use of the RFT file extension.
Chances are that you've come across a file or two with the .rtf
extension. If you've ever wondered what kind of file that is, and how the heck you even open it, you're not alone.
Opening your RFT file starts with understanding which software uses a RFT extension. In many cases, different types of software may use the same file extensions, also known as file associations. Revit Template, AI RoboForm Form Database, and IBM DisplayWrite Revisable Format Text are the most popular software packages that use RFT files. Upload rtf-file(s) Select files from Computer, Google Drive, Dropbox, URL or by dragging it on the page. Choose 'to pdf' Choose pdf or any other format you need as a result (more than 200 formats supported) Step 3. Download your pdf. Let the file convert and you can download your pdf file. How to Convert RTF to PDF? Click the “Choose Files” button to select your RTF files. Click the “Convert to PDF” button to start the conversion. When the status change to “Done” click the “Download PDF” button; Best Quality. We use both open source and custom software.
In this article we'll cover what an RTF file is and how to open, edit, and convert them to different formats you might be more familiar with.
What's the RTF format?
RTF stands for Rich Text Format, and was first developed by Microsoft in 1987.
The RTF format was originally developed to make it easier to work with text documents no matter what word processor or operating system you use.
Though Microsoft stopped maintaining the format back in 2008, it was widely adopted. These days, most modern operating systems have some way of opening RTF files straight out of the box.
How to open and edit an RTF file
To open a Rich Text Format file, first try double clicking on it if you're on desktop or tapping it if on a mobile device.
Desktop and online word processors
Most desktop operating systems come with software that's capable of opening RTF files like WordPad on Windows or TextEdit on macOS.
Many Linux distributions include an office suite like LibreOffice that can open RTF files. If yours doesn't, you can install it through the command line or go to https://www.libreoffice.org/ to download the package directly.
Also, most online word processors can open RTF files. Google Docs, Dropbox Paper, and Office Online are among the most popular online word processors, and all are capable of opening files with the .rtf
extension.
Once you open up an RTF file using one of the above methods, you can edit the file like you would any other text file:
How to open an RTF file with a different program
If you'd like to open a different program, just right click on the file and hover over 'Open with'. Then, just select the program you'd like to open the file with:
Note: This process may vary slightly depending on your operating system.
Mobile word processors
Mobile devices might have a little more trouble opening RTF files out of the box. Still, there are many options like Google Docs or WPS Office for both Android and iOS.
Once you find a mobile word processor that you're comfortable with, there's a good chance that it can open and edit RTF files.
How to convert an RTF file into a different format
The exact method of converting an RTF file varies depending on the software you use to open it. Still, the process is generally similar no matter what word processor you use.
Here's how to convert an RTF file into a different format in LibreOffice Writer.
Step 1: Select 'Save As'
With the file open in LibreOffice Writer as described above, click 'File', then select 'Save As...' from the dropdown:
Step 2: Select a location
In the 'Save' popup menu, select a location to save your new file.
You can also take this chance to rename the file to something new if you'd like:
I opted to save the file to my desktop, but feel free to save it wherever you'd like.
Note: This menu may look different depending on your operating system.
Step 3: Select a new file format
Now the fun part – choosing the different format you'll save the file in.
Open the dropdown menu in the lower right corner and select another format:
After that, just click save 'Save'. Your new file in a different format will be in the location you specified. Better yet, your original RTF file will still be wherever you opened it, completely unchanged.
Now all you need to do is to open up your new file and continue editing it.
But keep in mind that not every file format is as universal as RTF. If you share your new file with someone and they have trouble opening it, you may need to convert it to something else.
Even so, now that you know the process, it should be easy to convert your files into a format that you and anyone else can work with.
Chances are that you've come across a file or two with the .rtf
extension. If you've ever wondered what kind of file that is, and how the heck you even open it, you're not alone.
In this article we'll cover what an RTF file is and how to open, edit, and convert them to different formats you might be more familiar with.
What's the RTF format?
RTF stands for Rich Text Format, and was first developed by Microsoft in 1987.
The RTF format was originally developed to make it easier to work with text documents no matter what word processor or operating system you use.
Though Microsoft stopped maintaining the format back in 2008, it was widely adopted. These days, most modern operating systems have some way of opening RTF files straight out of the box.
How to open and edit an RTF file
To open a Rich Text Format file, first try double clicking on it if you're on desktop or tapping it if on a mobile device.
Desktop and online word processors
Most desktop operating systems come with software that's capable of opening RTF files like WordPad on Windows or TextEdit on macOS.
Many Linux distributions include an office suite like LibreOffice that can open RTF files. If yours doesn't, you can install it through the command line or go to https://www.libreoffice.org/ to download the package directly.
Also, most online word processors can open RTF files. Google Docs, Dropbox Paper, and Office Online are among the most popular online word processors, and all are capable of opening files with the .rtf
extension.
Once you open up an RTF file using one of the above methods, you can edit the file like you would any other text file:
How to open an RTF file with a different program
If you'd like to open a different program, just right click on the file and hover over 'Open with'. Then, just select the program you'd like to open the file with:
Note: This process may vary slightly depending on your operating system.
Mobile word processors
Mobile devices might have a little more trouble opening RTF files out of the box. Still, there are many options like Google Docs or WPS Office for both Android and iOS.
Once you find a mobile word processor that you're comfortable with, there's a good chance that it can open and edit RTF files.
How to convert an RTF file into a different format
The exact method of converting an RTF file varies depending on the software you use to open it. Still, the process is generally similar no matter what word processor you use.
Here's how to convert an RTF file into a different format in LibreOffice Writer.
Step 1: Select 'Save As'
With the file open in LibreOffice Writer as described above, click 'File', then select 'Save As...' from the dropdown:
Step 2: Select a location
In the 'Save' popup menu, select a location to save your new file.
You can also take this chance to rename the file to something new if you'd like:
I opted to save the file to my desktop, but feel free to save it wherever you'd like.
Note: This menu may look different depending on your operating system.
Step 3: Select a new file format
Now the fun part – choosing the different format you'll save the file in.
Open the dropdown menu in the lower right corner and select another format:
After that, just click save 'Save'. Your new file in a different format will be in the location you specified. Better yet, your original RTF file will still be wherever you opened it, completely unchanged.
Now all you need to do is to open up your new file and continue editing it.
But keep in mind that not every file format is as universal as RTF. If you share your new file with someone and they have trouble opening it, you may need to convert it to something else.
How To Open Rft Files
Even so, now that you know the process, it should be easy to convert your files into a format that you and anyone else can work with.