DOC to RTF Converter
To convert DOC to RTF, upload your .doc file and choose RTF as the output. LibreOffice converts it directly using its Word and RTF filters, so fonts, bold and italic text, tables and images carry over. RTF is a text-based format that cannot contain macros and opens in almost every word processor; it is not structurally similar to DOC, but the content is largely preserved.
- Free, no sign-up
- Files deleted within 30 minutes
- Up to 100 MB
Files are permanently deleted from our servers within 30 minutes.
How to convert DOC to RTF
Upload your DOC file
Drag your DOC file onto the upload area or browse for it (up to 100 MB).
Keep RTF as the target
RTF is already selected in the menu; you can pick another format if you need one.
Convert and download
Press “Convert” and the download of the converted file starts automatically.
What is preserved?
Kept
- Text, fonts, bold and italics
- Tables
- Images
- Paragraph alignment and lists
Changed
- Fonts missing on our server are substituted
Not carried over
- Macros (RTF cannot store them)
When to use it
Sharing documents without macro risk
Because old .doc files can carry macros, some mail filters and organisations block them as attachments. RTF cannot contain macros, so sending the document as RTF tends to avoid security warnings on the recipient's side.
Editing without Office or feeding legacy software
TextEdit on macOS, free LibreOffice and WordPad on older Windows versions all open RTF. Many older or industry-specific programs also import RTF rather than .doc, so converting eases the move into those systems.
Limitations to know
- Simple editors such as WordPad may simplify complex tables.
- Password-protected or corrupted .doc files cannot be read.
- Maximum file size is 100 MB.
About the formats
What is DOC?
DOC is the binary document format that was the default in Microsoft Word 97 through 2003. It stores text, formatting, tables and images in a single proprietary structure. DOCX replaced it in 2007, but DOC is still used because of older Office installations, some organisational systems and upload portals that only accept .doc. Current versions of Word, LibreOffice and Google Docs can open DOC files; DOCX is the better choice for new documents.
What is RTF?
RTF (Rich Text Format) is a document format published by Microsoft in 1987 that stores formatted text as plain text with control codes. It can carry bold and italic text, fonts, alignment, lists, tables and images. Its main strength is compatibility: RTF opens in WordPad on Windows, TextEdit on macOS, LibreOffice and Word. It is less capable than DOCX for complex layouts, and its appearance can vary between the programs that open it.
Frequently asked questions
Are DOC and RTF the same thing?
No. DOC is Word 97-2003's binary (OLE2) format, while RTF is plain text marked up with control codes. Microsoft created both and Word opens both, but RTF is simpler, cannot hold macros and is readable by far more programs, including basic editors.
Which programs can open the RTF file?
Microsoft Word, LibreOffice and OpenOffice on any platform, TextEdit and Pages on macOS, and WordPad on older Windows versions. Basic editors may simplify some advanced formatting, so for the most faithful view use Word or LibreOffice.
Why can the RTF be larger than the original .doc?
RTF is text-based, so images are written into the file as encoded text, which can make it noticeably larger than the binary .doc. If file size matters and the recipient has a modern office suite, converting DOC to Word (DOCX) produces a much smaller file.
Is converting DOC to RTF free?
Yes, completely free. There is no account, subscription or watermark — just upload your file and convert it.
Is my file safe and when is it deleted?
Your file is transferred over HTTPS and stored on our server under a random code. The upload and the output are permanently deleted within 30 minutes, and the download link only works for whoever holds your unique code.