---
title: ".rtf file — what it is and how to open it"
description: "A .rtf file is a Rich Text Format. A formatted document format readable by every word processor since 1987. How to open one on Windows, macOS and Linux, and what to convert it to."
url: https://atoneplace.net/file/rtf/
site: "At One Place"
---

# .rtf files

**.rtf file: Rich Text Format**

A formatted document format readable by every word processor since 1987.

## What opens a .rtf file

- **Windows:** Microsoft Word, LibreOffice Writer, Notepad (built in — shows raw markup)
- **macOS:** TextEdit (built in), Pages (built in), Microsoft Word
- **Linux:** LibreOffice Writer, AbiWord, Text Editor (built in — shows raw markup)
- **In a browser:** Google Docs

## What a .rtf file is

Microsoft designed RTF as a plain-text interchange format that still carries bold, fonts, tables and images through markup. It is the lowest common denominator between word processors and is what many billing and legal systems export. Note that Windows no longer ships WordPad — it was removed in the Windows 11 2024 update — so on a bare Windows install you now need Word, LibreOffice or a browser-based editor.

## Converting it

A .rtf file is commonly converted to .docx, .pdf, .odt, .txt or .html. It is a plain text format, so any text editor can open and edit it directly.

## Details

- **Extension:** .rtf
- **Full name:** Rich Text Format
- **Category:** Documents
- **MIME type:** application/rtf
- **Created by:** Microsoft
- **Format:** Plain text

## Common questions

### How do I open a .rtf file?

On Windows use Microsoft Word; on macOS use TextEdit (built in); on Linux use LibreOffice Writer. A formatted document format readable by every word processor since 1987.

### What is a .rtf file?

Rich Text Format. Microsoft designed RTF as a plain-text interchange format that still carries bold, fonts, tables and images through markup. It is the lowest common denominator between word processors and is what many billing and legal systems export.

### Can I convert a .rtf file?

Yes. It is usually converted to .docx, .pdf, .odt, .txt or .html, either by exporting from one of the programs listed above or with a format converter.

## Related pages

- [.pdf — Portable Document Format](https://atoneplace.net/file/pdf/)
- [.docx — Word Document (Open XML)](https://atoneplace.net/file/docx/)
- [.xlsx — Excel Workbook (Open XML)](https://atoneplace.net/file/xlsx/)
- [.pptx — PowerPoint Presentation (Open XML)](https://atoneplace.net/file/pptx/)
- [.txt — Plain Text File](https://atoneplace.net/file/txt/)
- [.doc — Word Document (legacy binary)](https://atoneplace.net/file/doc/)
- [.xls — Excel Workbook (legacy binary)](https://atoneplace.net/file/xls/)
- [.ppt — PowerPoint Presentation (legacy binary)](https://atoneplace.net/file/ppt/)
- [.md — Markdown Document](https://atoneplace.net/file/md/)
- [.pages — Apple Pages Document](https://atoneplace.net/file/pages/)
- [.odt — OpenDocument Text](https://atoneplace.net/file/odt/)
- [.eml — Email Message](https://atoneplace.net/file/eml/)

## Sources

- Media Types Registry — IANA (https://www.iana.org/assignments/media-types/)
- Official vendor product documentation — At One Place (/about/)