Rich Text Format is a way to save text with formatting that works across different programs
Rich Text Format (RTF) is a file format that stores text along with basic formatting — things like bold, italic, underline, font choices, and text color. Unlike plain text files, which contain only letters and numbers, RTF files remember how the text looks. Unlike Word documents, RTF files are simple enough that almost any word processor can open them without losing the formatting.
You will see RTF most often when someone sends you a document that needs to look a certain way but they are not sure what program you have on your computer. It is a middle ground: more flexible than plain text, but more compatible than Microsoft Word.
Key Takeaways
- RTF files preserve formatting like bold, italics, fonts, and colors, but work on almost any device or program.
- RTF is simpler and older than Word format, which is why it opens reliably even on computers with older software.
- You can open RTF files in Word, Google Docs, Apple Pages, and most text editors without installing anything extra.
- RTF is useful when sharing documents with people who use different operating systems or older computers.
How RTF differs from plain text and Word documents
A plain text file (.txt) contains only characters — no bold, no colors, no font choices. Everything looks the same. An RTF file (.rtf) adds formatting instructions that tell the program how to display the text. Those instructions are written in a way that almost any program can understand.
A Word document (.docx) is more powerful than RTF. It can hold images, tables, tracked changes, comments, and complex layouts. But a Word file is also more complicated, and older computers or programs sometimes struggle to open it correctly. RTF sits between the two: it handles basic formatting reliably, and almost nothing fails to open it.
What you can and cannot do in RTF
RTF supports text formatting that you use every day: bold, italic, underline, strikethrough, font name, font size, text color, and background color. You can also create lists, set margins, and adjust line spacing. Most word processors let you do all of this in RTF without any trouble.
RTF does not support images, tables, or complex page layouts the way Word does. If you try to paste a picture into an RTF file and save it, the picture usually disappears or the file becomes corrupted. For documents that need images or intricate formatting, Word or Google Docs is a better choice.
When to use RTF instead of other formats
Use RTF when you are sharing a document with someone and you are not certain what program they have. If they use an older computer, a different operating system, or a less common word processor, RTF will almost certainly open correctly. It is especially useful for sharing between Windows and Mac computers, or when sending to someone with very old software.
RTF is also a good choice if you want to keep a file simple and avoid the bloat that comes with Word format. Some people use RTF for long-term storage of important documents because the format has not changed much in decades and is unlikely to become unreadable.
How to open an RTF file
RTF files open in almost any word processor. On Windows, you can open them in Notepad (though you will see the formatting code), WordPad, Microsoft Word, or Google Docs. On Mac, you can use TextEdit, Microsoft Word, or Google Docs. On any device with a web browser, Google Docs will open an RTF file if you upload it.
If you receive an RTF file and your computer does not recognize it, right-click the file (or control-click on Mac), choose "Open With", and select any word processor from the list. The file will open and the formatting will display correctly.
How to save a file as RTF
In Microsoft Word, open the document you want to save. Click "File" in the top left, then "Save As". In the dialog that appears, find the dropdown menu that says "Word Document" or shows the current file type. Click it and scroll down to find "Rich Text Format" or "RTF". Click that option, choose where to save the file, and click "Save".
In Google Docs, click "File" at the top, then "Download", then "Rich Text Format (.rtf)". The file will download to your computer. In Apple Pages, click "File", then "Export To", then choose "RTF" from the format options. The process is similar in most other word processors — look for "Save As" or "Export" and find RTF in the format list.
Why RTF is less common now
RTF was created in the 1980s as a standard format that different programs could all understand. For many years it was the safest way to share documents. Today, most people use Microsoft Word or Google Docs, and cloud storage means people can share files without worrying as much about compatibility.
RTF is still useful, but you will encounter it less often than you did ten or fifteen years ago. It remains the best choice when you need to send a formatted document to someone with an unknown setup, or when you want a simple format that will not become obsolete.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open an RTF file on my phone?
Yes. On iPhone or iPad, you can open RTF files in Pages, Word, or Google Docs. On Android, Word and Google Docs both open RTF files. You may need to download the app first if you do not have it installed.
Is RTF safe to open?
RTF files are generally safe. They are text-based and do not run code the way some other file types can. However, like any file from an unknown source, you should be cautious about opening RTF files from people you do not trust.
Will my formatting stay the same if I convert a Word document to RTF?
Most basic formatting will stay the same — bold, italics, fonts, colors, and lists will transfer correctly. Images, tables, and complex layouts may not convert perfectly. Test the RTF version before sending it to someone important.
What is the difference between RTF and DOCX?
DOCX is Microsoft Word's modern format and supports images, tables, and complex features. RTF is older and simpler, but opens on almost any device. DOCX is better for documents with images or advanced formatting; RTF is better for compatibility.