What is .rtf?
.rtf (Rich Text Format) is a cross-platform document format created by Microsoft that stores text with basic formatting (fonts, sizes, colors, bold, italics) in a plain-text syntax. It is designed to be readable and editable on virtually any operating system and word processor.
This quick guide explains when to use .rtf files, how to open them on any device, and how to share them instantly with FileXhost.
When to use .rtf files
- You need simple formatting (bold, italic, headings) without full Word features.
- You want a document that opens on Windows, macOS, and Linux without layout issues.
- You are sharing templates, boilerplate text, or resumes that must stay editable.
- You want more structure than TXT but more portability than DOCX.
How to open .rtf files
RTF files open natively in most word processors and text editors, including WordPad (Windows), TextEdit (macOS), Microsoft Word, LibreOffice Writer, and many others. You can also upload .rtf files to FileXhost to view or share them via a clean, web-based viewer.
Algorithm details
RTF is a text-based markup format where control words (like \b for bold, \i for italics, and \par for paragraph breaks) describe formatting. Because it is plain text, it is easy to parse and relatively robust to corruption, but files can be larger than equivalent DOCX or PDF versions.
Browser & platform support
- Desktop: Browsers usually download RTF files instead of rendering them directly; viewing typically requires a helper app or a service like FileXhost.
- Mobile: Supported via office apps (Word, WPS, Polaris) or built-in viewers depending on the OS.
- OS: Native or near-native support on Windows, macOS, and most Linux distributions via default editors.
Format comparison
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Formatting | Supports basic formatting (fonts, colors, alignment), but lacks advanced layout features of DOCX or PDF. |
| Compatibility | More portable than DOC/DOCX; opens in almost every editor that supports rich text. |
| Size | Larger than TXT due to markup, usually larger than DOCX because it is not compressed. |
| Use Case | Great for editable documents where formatting matters, but maximum fidelity is not critical. |
How to create rtf files
- Word Processors: Microsoft Word, WordPad, TextEdit, LibreOffice Writer (Save As RTF).
- Code Editors: Some IDEs can export documentation or snippets as RTF.
- Online Editors: Many web-based editors support exporting to RTF.
How to convert rtf files
- FileXhost: Upload RTF and share it or convert using your desktop tools.
- Word/LibreOffice: Open RTF and save as DOCX, PDF, or TXT.
- Online Tools: CloudConvert, Zamzar (RTF to PDF, DOCX, HTML).
Advantages & disadvantages
Advantages
- Excellent cross-platform compatibility
- Supports basic rich text formatting
- Safer and simpler than binary DOC files
- Plain-text based structure is resilient and easy to recover
Disadvantages
- No support for advanced layouts, complex tables, or modern features
- File sizes can be larger than DOCX for complex documents
- Not ideal for final, print-ready documents (PDF is better)
Tools & software
Viewers
WordPad, TextEdit, Microsoft Word, LibreOffice, WPS Office
Editors
Microsoft Word, LibreOffice Writer, Apple TextEdit, Google Docs (after upload/convert)
Converters
CloudConvert, Zamzar, desktop word processors
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between RTF and DOCX?
RTF is a plain-text markup format focused on compatibility and basic formatting. DOCX is a compressed XML-based format that supports advanced layout options, styles, images, and collaboration features. RTF is better for simple, portable documents; DOCX is better for complex, modern documents.
Can I open RTF files without Microsoft Word?
Yes. RTF was designed to be opened by many applications. WordPad, TextEdit, LibreOffice, Google Docs, and many other editors can open and edit RTF files.
Is RTF still used today?
Yes, though less common than DOCX and PDF, RTF remains useful for legal templates, boilerplate content, and any situation where cross-platform editing is more important than perfect layout.
Is RTF safer than DOC files?
Generally yes. RTF is text-based and does not rely on embedded macros like some DOC files, reducing the risk of macro-based malware.
Technical specs
- File type
- Document
- Extension
- .rtf
- MIME type
- application/rtf, text/rtf
- Compression
- Uncompressed
- Max file size on FileXhost
- Up to 25 MB per file on the free plan and up to 1 GB on Pro FileXhost accounts.
Share .rtf files instantly
Upload your .rtf file to FileXhost to get a clean, shareable URL in seconds. View the file in a modern browser, protect access with optional settings, and let others download it without any confusing ads or cluttered file pages.
Upload .rtf file