RTF to PDF Converter

What is RTF Format and Why Convert to PDF?

RTF (Rich Text Format) is a document format with "rich" formatting, created by Microsoft in 1987. Unlike a plain text TXT file, an RTF document preserves formatting: fonts, sizes, colors, alignment, lists, and tables. The file remains text-based — it can be opened in any text editor to view the markup.

RTF format was designed as a universal way to exchange formatted documents between different programs and operating systems. In an era when Word formats were not standard, RTF served as the "lingua franca" of document exchange. An RTF file created on Macintosh would correctly open on a Windows or Unix computer.

Today RTF has yielded to Office Open XML (DOCX) and OpenDocument (ODT) formats but continues to be used in specific scenarios. Many organizations store document archives in RTF, legal databases contain millions of RTF files, and some electronic document management systems use this format as an intermediate.

RTF to PDF conversion solves the task of converting a document from an editable format to a fixed layout format. PDF guarantees that the recipient will see the document exactly as the author created it — with the same text positioning, same fonts, same page breaks.

Comparison of RTF and PDF Formats

Both formats are designed for working with documents but solve different tasks:

RTF is a format for working with documents: writing, editing, collaboration. PDF is a format for finalization: sending to clients, publishing, archiving, legal binding.

Benefits of PDF over RTF

Uniform Display

An RTF document may look different in different programs. A font specified in the file may be missing on the recipient's computer — then the system will substitute a similar one, and the formatting will change. Tables may shift, margins may change.

PDF fixes the document's appearance. Fonts are embedded in the file, page layout is locked. The document looks the same on any device: computer, tablet, smartphone.

Content Protection

Any user can edit an RTF file in any text editor. This is convenient for working on a document but dangerous for the final version: the recipient can change the text of a contract, act, or official letter.

PDF allows setting a password to open the document and prohibiting editing. Of course, there are ways to bypass PDF protection, but this is sufficient for ordinary document management.

Size Reduction

Paradoxically, RTF documents with abundant formatting can exceed the size of a similar PDF. RTF format stores markup in text form, which increases file volume. PDF uses binary compression.

Legal Significance

A PDF with a digital signature is recognized as a legally significant document. RTF does not support electronic signature — a document in this format has no legal force without printing and handwritten signature.

When RTF to PDF Conversion is Necessary

Sending Documents to Counterparties

Contracts, commercial proposals, acts — documents for external recipients should be in a format that cannot be accidentally changed. PDF guarantees that the text will arrive in its original form.

This is especially relevant for:

• Contracts and supplementary agreements
• Commercial proposals and price lists
• Acts of completed work
• Invoices and bills
• Official correspondence

Web Publishing

Documents for posting on websites and databases should open for all users. RTF requires a special program or browser plugin. PDF opens with built-in tools of any modern browser.

PDF is convenient for:

• Company website documentation
• Instructions and manuals
• Price lists and catalogs
• Reports and presentations
• Sample documents for download

Archiving

Long-term document storage requires a format that will remain readable for decades. PDF has international standard ISO 32000 status, guaranteeing its support in the future.

PDF/A format is specially designed for archiving and adopted as an electronic document management standard in many countries.