Convert Markdown to RTF
To convert Markdown to RTF, upload your .md file and choose RTF. The Markdown symbols (#, **, -) disappear and are replaced by real formatting: headings are styled as headings, emphasis becomes bold or italic, and lists become bulleted or numbered lists. The RTF file opens without Microsoft Word in WordPad, macOS TextEdit and LibreOffice.
- 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 Markdown to RTF
Upload your Markdown file
Drag your Markdown 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
- Headings, bold, italic and strikethrough
- Numbered and bulleted lists
- Code blocks, in a monospace font
- Link text
Changed
- Task-list checkboxes become ☑ and ☐ characters
Not carried over
- Images referenced by URL or relative path
When to use it
Formatted documents without Office
If you need a formatted document that opens in WordPad on Windows or TextEdit on a Mac, RTF is the most widely supported option that does not require Microsoft Office. Your Markdown notes become a clean, readable document.
Moving formatted text into other apps
Some email clients, CRM systems and older applications import RTF. Use it as an intermediate format to move Markdown notes into those tools without losing headings, emphasis and lists.
Limitations to know
- How tables look depends on the program you open the RTF in; simple editors like WordPad and TextEdit may simplify them.
About the formats
What is Markdown (MD)?
Markdown is a lightweight markup language designed by John Gruber in 2004. Formatting is written as simple symbols inside plain text: # for headings, ** for bold, - for list items and | for tables. Markdown (.md) files are everywhere in GitHub READMEs, technical documentation, note-taking apps and AI assistant output. The most widely used flavour is GitHub Flavored Markdown (GFM), which adds tables, task lists and strikethrough.
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 Markdown tables kept in RTF?
Tables are written to the RTF file as bordered tables, but how they look depends on the program you open it with. Full word processors such as Word and LibreOffice generally show them properly, while WordPad and TextEdit may simplify complex tables. For table-heavy documents, Word (DOCX) or PDF is the safer choice.
Should I pick RTF or DOCX for Markdown?
If the document will be edited in Word, LibreOffice or Google Docs, DOCX gives richer and more consistent results. Choose RTF when it has to open in WordPad or TextEdit on a computer without Office, or when the application you are importing into only accepts RTF.
Can I convert the RTF back to Markdown?
Yes. The RTF to Markdown converter turns an edited RTF file back into a .md file. Headings, bold and italic text, lists and tables become Markdown syntax again, while fonts and colours are dropped because Markdown cannot express them.
Is converting Markdown 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.