Rich Text Format
DocumentsA format for exchanging formatted text and images. Opening its control-word text as plain text exposes commands such as \rtf; it is not an ordinary text note.
- What it is used for
- Exchanging formatted text documents
- What the file contains
- Text
All sections, questions and sources
Content reviewed： · Editor：Kai
First: choose for your purpose
RTF stores formatted text. Reading control codes in a text editor differs from rendering in a word processor. Choose TXT for text extraction, an RTF editor for editing, or PDF for appearance.
Opening steps
Choose your environment or purpose to see its steps.
Menu labels and support vary by app, OS and version. Preserve the original before making changes.
Troubleshooting by symptom
- Visible control words may mean it was opened in a plain-text editor; use an RTF-aware word processor.
- Table/image rendering may differ among apps. Compare with an author-supplied PDF reference.
- Missing images: ask whether the source is RTF or an asset-bearing variant such as RTFD; suffixes alone do not establish structure.
- Readable text but shifted pages: check paper, margins and fonts against a PDF reference; RTF support does not guarantee identical layout.
- Lost styling after saving: check for TXT conversion; changing the extension back cannot restore formatting.
RTF → DOCX / TXT
- Open in Writer/Word and choose the desired Save As format.
- Inspect retained formatting/images in DOCX, or required text in TXT.
- Check images, tables, paragraphs and Japanese text as appropriate to the destination format.
TXT loses styling, images and pagination. Keep the original because RTF extensions vary across applications.
Extracting plain text
Copy rendered text or save a plain-text copy, then inspect table separators, paragraphs and lists.
TXT cannot retain images, colors or typography. Record essential image descriptions and retain the RTF.
Source for these steps：Apple · Create, open and convert documents in TextEdit on Mac
Checking an RTF handoff
RTF support alone does not guarantee complex-document fidelity; check tables, page numbering, images and breaks in the recipient’s app.
Provide PDF when appearance matters and state whether editing is needed. Open unknown files in updated apps without executing suspicious embedded content.
Related-format differences
| Format / choice | Purpose and preserved information |
|---|---|
| RTF | Formatted-text exchange with application-dependent fidelity. |
| TXT | Plain text without styling, table structure or images. |
| DOCX / PDF | DOCX suits continued editing; PDF suits appearance delivery. |
Handling and security
RTF can include embedded elements. Use updated software and respect warnings for unknown attachments.
Questions and answers
Should I read RTF in Notepad?
Plain text reveals control words; use an RTF-aware app to view the document.
Does RTF-to-TXT retain images?
No. It extracts plain textual content without images/formatting.
Should I rely on WordPad?
Availability varies by Windows version. Choose a supported app such as Word or Writer.
Are RTF and RTFD identical?
No. RTFD can include associated resources; check the producer and sharing method.
What happens to tables in TXT?
Table appearance/images are lost; separators and line breaks may represent the text.
Format facts: name, steward and MIME type
- Formal name
- Rich Text Format
- Steward / specification
- Microsoft
- MIME type
- application/rtf (also text/rtf)
Primary and official sources
- Official documentationDataFormats.Rtf
Microsoft API documentation identifying RTF formatted-text interchange.
Microsoft · Link checked： - Software documentationOffice file format reference
Lists Office formats and the binary/XML distinction.
Microsoft · Link checked： - Platform documentationCreate, open and convert documents in TextEdit on Mac
RTF/TXT opening and conversions that remove formatting.
Apple · Link checked：