.TXT
THE BASIC
ONE
Just plain letters and numbers. No bold words. No colors. No different fonts.
- Styles
- Images
RTF: Rich Text Format
The universal translator.
Word ProcessingRich TextFormattingLegacy
Explore the hidden code of RTF, the formatting spectrum, and its historical role in cross-platform compatibility.
DOCUMENTATION
UNDERSTANDING .RTF FILES
RTF stands for Rich Text Format. It is a simple, old, but very powerful way to save typed words. Let us learn what makes it special and why almost every computer in the world can still read it today.
What is an RTF File?
A file is just a container for information. When you type on a computer, you need to save your words. The RTF format is one way to do this.
It is a step up from a basic text file because it allows you to style your words. But, it is not as heavy or complicated as a modern Microsoft Word document. It sits perfectly in the middle.
The Core Concept
Think of RTF as a universal language for word processors. No matter what app you use, RTF ensures your text looks the same when you open it.
The Document Showdown
To understand RTF, we must compare it to its two brothers: the plain text file and the complex document file.
.RTF
THE MIDDLE
GROUND
Supports text styling, basic formatting, and paragraph alignment. Simple but very capable.
- Styles (Bold, Italic)
- Fonts & Colors
.DOCX
THE
HEAVYWEIGHT
Proprietary format. Handles everything from huge pictures to math equations and 3D models.
- Complex Tables
- Tracking Changes
What Exactly Does "Rich" Mean?
When we say "Rich Text", we mean the text has extra information tied to it. The RTF file remembers how you want the text to look. Here are the tools an RTF file supports:
Bold Text
Italic Text
Underline
Font Choices
Alignment
Simple Lists
Text Colors
Margins
How RTF Works Under The Hood
RTF uses secret "control words" hidden in the file. When a program reads the file, it reads these secret words as instructions. The instructions tell the program how to draw the text on your screen.
WHAT YOU SEE
This is Bold text.
THE HIDDEN RTF CODE
{\rtf1\ansi
This is \b Bold \b0 text.
}
The code \b turns bold ON.
The code \b0 turns bold OFF.
The Superpower: It Works Everywhere
Because RTF is an old and open standard, almost every single piece of software ever made can read it. You never have to worry if someone else can open your file.
Windows PC
WordPad, Word
Apple Mac
TextEdit, Pages
Web Browsers
Google Docs
Linux
LibreOffice
A Quick History Lesson
1987
The Problem Appears
In the 1980s, Windows computers and Apple computers did not like each other. If you saved a file on a Windows computer, your friend with an Apple computer could not read it.
1987 - 1989
Microsoft Creates RTF
Microsoft designed the Rich Text Format. The goal was simple: make one file format that every computer operating system could understand. It was designed for compatibility.
Today
Still Alive and Well
Even though we have advanced formats like PDF and DOCX today, RTF is still used. It is reliable, lightweight, and never breaks.
When To Use RTF
-
Sending to Strangers
If you don't know what computer the other person has, send an RTF. It will open for them.
-
Simple Documents
For basic letters, notes, and essays that just need bold text and paragraphs.
-
Safe File Sharing
Unlike old Word files, standard RTF files do not run automated "macro" code, making them less likely to carry basic viruses.
When NOT To Use RTF
-
Complex Layouts
If your document needs columns, specific page breaks, and complex graphic design.
-
Heavy Images
RTF can hold images, but it handles them poorly. An RTF file with photos will become massive in file size.
-
Team Editing
If you need "Track Changes" or multiple people leaving comments on the document, use a modern format.
How to Save an RTF File
Saving a file in this format is incredibly easy in almost any application you are currently using.
STEP 1
Click on "File"
Go to the top menu of your program.
STEP 2
Choose "Save As"
Or "Export" depending on your app.
STEP 3
Select "Rich Text Format"
From the dropdown format list.
RTF vs PDF: Which Do I Send?
People often confuse when to use an RTF and when to use a PDF. The rule is very simple: Do you want them to read it, or edit it?
FOR EDITING
Send an RTF
Send this if you want the other person to fix typos, add their own words, or change the document.
The document remains unlocked and flexible.
FOR READING
Send a PDF
Send this if it is a final contract, a menu, or a manual. You do not want them changing your words.
The document is locked like a photograph.
Are RTF Files Safe?
RTF files are much safer than old Microsoft Word files because they cannot run macros. Macros are tiny computer programs hidden inside documents, which hackers often use to spread viruses.
However, be careful: Hackers can still put dangerous web links inside an RTF file. If you do not know the person who sent the file, do not click on any links inside it.
Opening RTF on Your Phone
You do not need to download a special app to read an RTF file on your smartphone. Your phone already knows how to handle them.
Apple iPhone (iOS)
The built-in Files app and the Mail app can open and preview RTF files instantly. No extra steps needed.
Android Phones
The free Google Docs app or any basic text reader app on your Android will open it perfectly.
File Size Comparison
How much space does a one-page letter take up on your computer? Let us look at how the different formats compare in file size.
.TXT (Plain Text)
1 KB (Tiny)
.RTF (Rich Text)
3 KB (Small)
.DOCX (Microsoft Word)
15 KB (Medium)
Note: RTF files are very small when they only hold text. But if you paste a
photograph into an RTF, the file size will become massive. We explain why in a later section.
The Missing Font Problem
RTF allows you to choose different fonts (like Arial or Times New Roman). But there is a catch: The RTF file does not carry the actual font with it. It only carries the name of the font.
WHAT YOU SENT:
"Hello, this is a very fancy party invitation."
(You used a custom cursive font installed on your PC)
WHAT THEY SEE:
"Hello, this is a very fancy party invitation."
(They don't have your font, so their computer used Arial instead)
Converting RTF to PDF or DOCX
Because RTF is a universal format, turning it into a different format is completely free and requires no special software.
1
Open your .rtf file in Word, WordPad, or Google Docs.
2
Click "File", then click "Save As" (or "Download" on Google Docs).
3
Choose .PDF or .DOCX from the list. You are done!
Why RTF Hates Pictures
We mentioned earlier that adding a photo to an RTF file makes the file size huge. Why does this happen? Because RTF files only understand text.
010010010010111100100101010101001001010101010010010101010101010001010101001001010101010101010101010101010101010101010101010101010101010101010101010101010101010101010101010101010101010101010101010101010101010101010101010101010101010101010101...
The photo is translated into millions of text characters.
The Hexadecimal Problem
When you paste a picture into an RTF, the computer translates the entire picture into thousands and thousands of numbers and letters (called Hex code).
A normal 1 Megabyte photo can easily turn into a 10 Megabyte RTF file! If you need pictures, use DOCX or PDF instead.
The Programmer's Secret Weapon
Software developers still use RTF today. Why? Because writing computer code to create a heavy Microsoft Word (DOCX) file is very difficult.
But writing code to create an RTF file is incredibly easy. A programmer can write a simple script that
spits out standard text with \b tags, and
instantly, they have generated a printable report for a business.
> START REPORT GENERATOR
> GENERATING INVOICE...
> SAVING AS invoice_104.rtf
> SUCCESS: FILE READY FOR PRINTING.
Common Errors & Fixes
"I opened the file and it looks like a bunch of code!"
The Fix: You opened the RTF file using a "Plain Text Editor" (like Windows Notepad) instead of a "Word Processor" (like WordPad or Microsoft Word). Right-click the file, select "Open With", and choose WordPad or Microsoft Word.
"My table borders disappeared."
The Fix: RTF supports tables, but not complicated ones. If you made a fancy table with colors and thick borders in Microsoft Word and saved it as an RTF, the formatting might break. Use DOCX if your document has complex tables.
Is RTF Dead?
Microsoft officially stopped updating the Rich Text Format in 2008. It will never get new features, new abilities, or new updates.
But it is not dead. It is immortal.
Because it is simple and understood by every machine, it will likely continue to exist for decades as the ultimate backup format. When all modern software fails, RTF will still work.
More in this series
Master more skills with other tutorials from the Word Processing series.
Data Engineering
- DB: Generic Database File: The universal data container.
- SQLite: Portable Database: A database in a single file.
- SQL: Structured Query Language: The language of data.
- CSV: Comma-Separated Values: The universal data exchange format.
Spreadsheets
- NUMBERS: Apple Numbers Spreadsheet: Visual data storytelling.
- XLSM: Macro-Enabled Spreadsheet: Excel with automation power.
- ODS: OpenDocument Spreadsheet: The open spreadsheet standard.
- XLS: Legacy Excel Spreadsheet: The foundation of digital spreadsheets.
- XLSX: Modern Excel Spreadsheet: The data powerhouse.
Presentations
- ODP: OpenDocument Presentation: The open standard for slides.
- PPT: Legacy Presentation: The classic slide deck format.
- PPTX: Modern Presentation: The gold standard for slide decks.
Word Processing
- WPS: WPS Office Document: The lightweight contender.
- PAGES: Apple Pages Document: The designer's word processor.
- ODT: OpenDocument Text: The open text standard.
- DOC: Legacy Word Document: The classic document format.
- DOCX: Modern Word Document: The standard for office documents.
- RTF: Rich Text Format: The universal translator.
Digital Publishing
- TEX: LaTeX Document: The mathematician's choice.
- PDF: Portable Document Format: The digital paper standard.
Software Engineering
- TSX: TypeScript XML: The modern web component.
Markdown & Text
- MD: Markdown: The programmer's writer.
- TXT: Plain Text: The simplest file in the world.