Convert Word (DOCX) to RTF
To convert Word to RTF, upload your .docx file and pick RTF as the target. LibreOffice converts it directly, carrying over bold and italic text, paragraph alignment, tables and images. Because RTF opens in WordPad, TextEdit, LibreOffice and almost every other word processor, it is a safe choice when you do not know which program the recipient uses.
- 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 Word to RTF
Upload your Word file
Drag your Word 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
- Bold, italic, underline and font sizes
- Paragraph alignment and indents
- Tables and images
Changed
- Images are stored as text inside RTF, so file size can grow
- Word-only elements (SmartArt, content controls) may be simplified
When to use it
Sharing with someone who doesn't have Word
If the recipient only has WordPad on Windows or TextEdit on a Mac, an RTF file opens without installing anything and keeps basic formatting such as bold, italics and alignment visible and editable.
Feeding older software that expects RTF
Some older accounting, reporting and automation tools still use RTF for templates or imports. Converting a Word document to RTF lets you bring formatted text into those systems.
Limitations to know
- Complex tables and image layouts may look different depending on the app that opens the RTF (WordPad, TextEdit).
About the formats
What is Word (DOCX)?
DOCX is the default document format of Microsoft Word since Word 2007. It is based on the Office Open XML standard: the file is a ZIP package that stores text, styles, tables, images, headers and footers as separate XML parts. DOCX files open and edit in Word, LibreOffice Writer, Google Docs and Pages, which makes it the most common format for exchanging editable documents. When a fixed layout matters, DOCX files are usually converted to PDF.
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
Why is my RTF file so much larger than the DOCX?
DOCX is a compressed ZIP package, while RTF is a plain-text-based format. Images inside an RTF are stored as hexadecimal text, so a document with pictures can become several times larger than the original DOCX. For text-only documents the difference is much smaller.
Which programs can open an RTF file?
RTF opens in Microsoft Word, WordPad, TextEdit on macOS, LibreOffice Writer, Google Docs and nearly every other word processor. That makes it a practical way to send an editable document when you don't know what software the recipient has installed.
If I convert the RTF back to Word, will formatting survive?
RTF to Word is also a direct LibreOffice conversion, so text formatting, tables and images come back. Word-only elements that were simplified on the way to RTF, such as SmartArt, are not restored. If you plan to keep editing, hold on to the original .docx.
Is converting Word 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.