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.
An example of an RTF editor is Microsoft WordPad. However, any text or word processing program can create documents with any of the formatting features mentioned above. They can also create an RTF document. How to convert a plaintext to an RTF file. Open the file plaintext file in an RTF editor, such as WordPad or Microsoft Word. 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.
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.
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Which program should you use?
Your computer may be trying to use the wrong program to open the RTF file, or it may not have a program installed that can open the file. There are a few different programs you can use to open RTF files, including Rich Text Format File. Try downloading one or more of these from the manufacturer’s website.
Rtf Format
What type of file is it?
The file type is the key to opening RTF files. RTF files are usually considered Text Files. You may already have a program on your computer that can open this type of file.
If the file type is unknown, you can find it in the file properties by following the steps below.
Windows:
- Right-click the file and click “Properties”.
- Look under “Type of File” for the file type.
Mac:
- Right-click the file and click “Properties'.
- Look under “Kind” for the file type.
Who developed the software?
If you can’t find the right program to open your RTF file, a software developer might be able to help you. Contact the developer of one of the most common programs for RTF files from the list below.
| Software | Developer | |
|---|---|---|
| Rich Text Format File | is developed by | Unknown |
Why not try a universal file viewer?
A universal file viewer is a program that can open files with a wide range of extensions, depending on the file format. When you have RTF files you can’t open, a universal file viewer like File Magic (Download) can open it for you. Just remember that some files aren’t compatible with this type of program, and they will only open in binary format.
Open Rtf File Online
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Apps That Open Rft Files
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