DOCX to RTF Converter

What is DOCX to RTF Conversion?

DOCX to RTF conversion transforms a document from Microsoft Word format to universal Rich Text Format. RTF was developed by Microsoft in 1987 as a cross-platform format for exchanging formatted text documents between different programs and operating systems. It's one of the few formats supported by virtually all text editors on any platform.

RTF format preserves basic document formatting: fonts, styles, tables, images. At the same time, an RTF file can be opened in WordPad on Windows, TextEdit on macOS, LibreOffice on Linux, and many other programs without installing additional software. This makes RTF an ideal choice when you don't know what software the document recipient uses.

PEREFILE service performs DOCX to RTF conversion with maximum preservation of content and formatting. The process is fully automated: upload a Word file, wait for processing, and download the result in RTF format. No software installation required - conversion happens in the cloud.

RTF Format Features and Advantages

Rich Text Format holds a special place among document formats thanks to its universality and openness. Understanding RTF features helps determine when this format is the optimal choice.

Cross-Platform Compatibility

The main advantage of RTF is its universality. The format opens and edits correctly on various platforms:

• Windows - built-in WordPad, Microsoft Word, LibreOffice Writer, Google Docs
• macOS - TextEdit (pre-installed), Pages, Microsoft Word for Mac
• Linux - LibreOffice Writer, AbiWord, Calligra Words
• Mobile devices - most office applications for iOS and Android
• Web browsers - Google Docs, Microsoft Word Online, Zoho Writer

Such broad support means the recipient of an RTF document is guaranteed to open it regardless of their operating system and installed programs.

Open Specification

RTF format has an open specification published by Microsoft. This allows developers to create programs with full format support without licensing restrictions. That's why RTF is supported by so many applications.

Unlike proprietary formats, RTF doesn't depend on a specific software vendor and will be readable by programs in the future just as well as now.

Text-Based Format

An RTF file is a text file with control commands. This means:

• Viewable - RTF content can be viewed in any text editor
• Easy recovery - damaged files are easier to recover than binary formats
• No executable code - RTF doesn't support macros, eliminating virus risk in documents
• Predictability - format is stable and doesn't change between versions

Comparison of DOCX and RTF Formats

For an informed choice between formats, it's useful to understand their technical differences.

Technical Specifications

What RTF Supports

RTF format ensures preservation of main document elements:

• Text - all characters, including Unicode and special characters
• Character formatting - fonts, sizes, styles, colors
• Paragraph formatting - alignment, indents, spacing
• Tables - structure, borders, merged cells
• Images - embedded raster images
• Lists - numbered and bulleted
• Headers and footers - top and bottom, page numbering

RTF Limitations Compared to DOCX

During conversion, some DOCX features don't transfer to RTF:

• Macros and VBA - RTF format doesn't support executable code
• SmartArt - smart diagrams are converted to images
• Document themes - color schemes are replaced with explicit colors
• Modern charts - converted to static images
• Formulas - equations from modern formula editor are converted to images
• OLE objects - embedded Excel or PowerPoint objects are simplified

When to Use RTF Instead of DOCX

Choosing RTF format is justified in the following scenarios:

Document Exchange Between Different Platforms

When a document is intended for recipients with different operating systems and software, RTF provides maximum compatibility:

• Mixed environment - office uses Windows, but partners work on macOS or Linux
• Unknown recipient software - when you can't determine what program the recipient has
• Publishing for wide audience - materials for download on website
• International collaboration - partners from other countries may use localized software

Document Security

RTF format is a safe choice in terms of protection from malicious code:

• No macros - impossible to embed malicious code in RTF document
• No ActiveX - no support for dangerous components
• No scripts - no executable content
• Transparency - file content can be verified with text editor

This is especially important when receiving documents from unknown senders or working in environments with heightened security requirements.

Compatibility with Legacy Systems

RTF is supported by programs released decades ago:

• Archive computers - systems running old Windows versions
• Embedded systems - specialized equipment with limited software
• Terminal clients - thin clients with minimal application set
• Specialized devices - medical and industrial equipment

Editing with Basic Tools

RTF can be edited with pre-installed programs without purchasing an office suite:

• WordPad - free editor included with Windows
• TextEdit - pre-installed on every Mac
• Simplicity - no need to install additional programs

Conversion Process and Preserved Elements

During DOCX to RTF conversion, document structure is transformed with maximum content preservation.

Text Content

Conversion preserves all document text:

• Main text - all paragraphs and sections
• Headings - heading hierarchy and document structure
• Footnotes - page and endnotes with numbering
• Comments - text annotations
• Headers and footers - top and bottom headers

Formatting

Document styling transfers to the new format:

• Fonts - names, sizes, colors, text background
• Styles - bold, italic, underline, strikethrough
• Paragraphs - alignment, indents, line spacing
• Tab stops - tab positions and types
• Borders - paragraph and page borders

Structural Elements

Document structure is preserved:

• Tables - full structure with cell formatting
• Lists - numbered and bulleted with nesting
• Sections - division into sections with different formatting
• Breaks - page, section, column breaks
• Fields - page numbering, dates, and other automatic fields

Graphics

Images and graphic elements transfer:

• Raster images - photos and pictures
• Positioning - placement relative to text
• Sizes - image scaling
• Wrapping - text wrapping settings

Professional Use Scenarios

RTF is widely used in professional activities thanks to its universality.

Legal Field

Lawyers and attorneys use RTF for document preparation:

• Court documents - many courts accept RTF format documents
• Contracts for review - universal format simplifies revision exchange
• Document templates - standard forms in RTF open everywhere
• Export from legal systems - many legal programs export to RTF

Publishing

In publishing, RTF is used as an intermediate format:

• Manuscript reception - authors can work in any editor
• Exchange with editors - proofreaders and editors use different software
• Import to layout - layout programs import RTF well
• Archiving - long-term text storage

Education and Science

In academia, RTF is valued for its universality:

• Educational materials - manuals and guides for students
• Scientific articles - initial text exchange between co-authors
• Peer review - commenting on colleagues' work
• Thesis papers - when format isn't strictly regulated

Technical Documentation

Technical documentation developers use RTF:

• User manuals - for distribution in various environments
• Reference materials - built-in help in applications
• Export from documentation systems - many systems support RTF
• Integration with other formats - conversion to other formats through RTF

Recommendations for Working with RTF

For best results when working with RTF format, follow these recommendations.

Preparing Document for Conversion

Before converting DOCX to RTF:

• Simplify complex formatting - replace SmartArt with regular diagrams
• Check images - ensure all pictures display correctly
• Save original - keep original DOCX for possible changes
• Remove macros - they won't transfer to RTF anyway

Checking Results

After conversion, verify result quality:

• Open file - check that document opens without errors
• Compare with original - ensure key content is preserved
• Check tables - pay special attention to complex tables
• Review images - ensure all pictures are in place

Choosing RTF Editing Program

Depending on your tasks, choose an appropriate editor:

• WordPad - for simple viewing and basic editing on Windows
• LibreOffice Writer - for full-featured editing on any platform
• Microsoft Word - for maximum editing capabilities
• TextEdit - for viewing and basic editing on macOS

Alternatives to RTF Conversion

In some cases, other approaches may be preferable.

When PDF is Better

PDF format is preferable when:

• Document doesn't require editing - PDF ensures accurate display
• Layout preservation is important - PDF guarantees identical appearance on all devices
• Protection is required - PDF supports editing restrictions

When to Keep DOCX

Keep DOCX format if:

• Recipient uses modern Word - DOCX provides full functionality
• Collaboration is needed - Word is better for tracking changes
• Document contains macros - DOCX or DOCM is needed to preserve automation

Conclusion

DOCX to RTF conversion is a reliable way to ensure document compatibility with any programs and platforms. Rich Text Format remains a relevant choice thanks to its universality, security, and broad support. PEREFILE service allows you to quickly convert Word documents to RTF format without installing any software. Upload your DOCX file, wait for processing, and get a document that will open on any computer.