How to Open Rich Text Format Files

Have you ever received an RTF file and thought, “What is this, and how do I open it?” Rich Text Format (RTF) files are commonly used to share documents while keeping the formatting intact, but figuring out the best way to open them can sometimes be confusing.

In this post, we explain how to open an RTF file using different tools and platforms, making it simple to access and manage your document.

What is Rich Text Format (RTF)?

Rich Text Format (RTF) is a file format that allows you to create and share documents while preserving formatting like fonts, colors, and styles. It was introduced by Microsoft in the late 1980s as a way to provide cross-platform document compatibility between different operating systems and word processors.

The primary purpose of RTF files is to enable the exchange of formatted text documents between various applications and platforms. Unlike plain text files, which only contain unformatted text, RTF files can retain rich formatting elements such as bold, italic, underline, font types, font sizes, text colors, and even basic images or tables.

Ways of Opening RTF Files

1. Opening RTF Files with Microsoft Word

Opening an RTF file in Microsoft Word is straightforward and can be done in just a few steps:

• Open Microsoft Word: Start by launching Microsoft Word on your computer. You can do this by either clicking on the Microsoft Word icon or searching for it in your Start menu (Windows) or Applications folder (macOS).
• Open File Menu: Once Word is open, click on the “File” tab located in the top-left corner of the screen. This will bring up a menu with various options.
• Select “Open”: In the “File” menu, choose the “Open” option. This will allow you to browse for the file you want to open.
• Locate Your RTF File: A file explorer window will pop up, allowing you to navigate through your computer’s directories. Find the folder where your RTF file is stored. If you’re unsure of the file location, you can use the search bar in the file explorer to look for “.rtf” files.
• Choose RTF File: Once you’ve located the RTF file, click on it to select it. Microsoft Word should recognize the RTF format automatically.
• Click “Open”: After selecting the file, click the “Open” button at the bottom-right of the file explorer window. Your RTF file should now open in Microsoft Word, with all its formatting (fonts, colors, styles, etc.) intact.
• Edit and Save (Optional): After opening the RTF file, you can edit it as needed. If you want to keep it in RTF format, choose “Save As” from the File menu and select the RTF format when saving. Otherwise, you can save it in a different format, such as a Word Document (.docx).

2. Opening RTF Files With Word Pad

Text editors like WordPad provide a simple, lightweight option for opening and editing RTF files without requiring third-party software. Here’s how you can open an RTF file using WordPad.

• Open WordPad: Begin by opening WordPad on your Windows device. You can do this by searching for “WordPad” in the Start menu or finding it under “Windows Accessories.”
• Go to File Menu: Once WordPad is open, click on the “File” menu located in the top-left corner of the window.
• Select “Open”: From the File menu, choose the “Open” option. This will prompt a file explorer window to appear, where you can browse your computer’s files.
• Find Your RTF File: Navigate to the location where your RTF file is saved. If needed, you can type “.rtf” into the search bar of the file explorer to filter results and find the file more quickly.
• Select the RTF File: Once you’ve located the file, click on it to select it, and then click the “Open” button in the file explorer window.
• View and Edit the RTF File: Your RTF file will now open in WordPad. You can view the file as-is or make basic edits, such as changing fonts, adjusting text alignment, or applying bold/italic styles.
• Save the File: If you make changes, you can save the document by clicking the “File” menu and selecting either “Save” (to overwrite the existing file) or “Save As” (to save it under a new name or in a different format). WordPad allows you to save the file in various formats, including RTF, plain text, or even a Word document.

3. Opening RTF Files on Google Drive

Google Drive is a popular cloud storage service that also provides the ability to open and edit RTF files directly within its platform, making it a convenient option for file management and collaboration. Here’s how you can use Google Drive to open an RTF file:

• Upload the RTF File to Google Drive: Open Google Drive in your web browser (drive.google.com) and log in with your Google account. Click the “New” button on the left side and select “File upload.” Locate the RTF file on your computer and upload it to your Drive.
• Open the RTF File in Google Docs: Once the file is uploaded, right-click on the RTF file in Google Drive. Select “Open with” and choose “Google Docs.”
• View and Edit the RTF File: The file will open in Google Docs, where you can view, edit, and collaborate with others in real-time. While some advanced formatting might not transfer perfectly, Google Docs handles most basic text formatting well.
• Save and Export the File: Once you’re done editing, you can save the file as a Google Docs document or export it back to RTF, Word (.docx), or PDF format by selecting “File” > “Download” and choosing your desired format.

4. Opening RTF Files with Online Converters

Online RTF file converters offer a convenient way to open and convert RTF files without needing any software installed on your computer. These web-based tools allow you to upload your RTF file and convert it to various other formats, such as PDF, Word, HTML, or plain text.

Using an online RTF converter is straightforward. Here are the typical steps:

• Find a Reputable Online Converter: Search for a reliable online RTF converter. Look for well-known and trusted websites that offer this service.
• Upload Your RTF File: Once you’ve selected an online converter, click the “Choose File” or “Browse” button to locate and upload your RTF file from your computer or cloud storage.
• Select the Output Format: After uploading the file, you’ll be prompted to select the desired output format for your converted file. Common options include PDF, DOCX (Word), TXT (plain text), HTML, EPUB, and more.
• Convert the File: Once you’ve chosen the output format, click the “Convert” or “Submit” button to initiate the conversion process. Depending on the file size and the converter’s capabilities, the conversion may take a few seconds or minutes.
• Download the Converted File: After the conversion is complete, you’ll typically receive a download link or be prompted to download the converted file. Some converters may also provide the option to email the converted file to you or share a download link.

5. Opening RTF Files on macOS Using TextEdit

On a Mac, the built-in TextEdit app is the easiest way to open and edit RTF files. Here’s how:

• Open TextEdit: You can find TextEdit in your Applications folder or by using Spotlight (press Command + Space and type “TextEdit”).
• Open the RTF File: Drag the RTF file onto the TextEdit icon, or open TextEdit, go to File > Open, and select your RTF file.
• View or Edit: TextEdit will open the RTF file, and you can edit it or save it in different formats if needed.

Tips for Resolving Common Issues When Opening RTF Files

Formatting Issues

When opening RTF files, you might notice misaligned text, missing fonts, or incorrect spacing. This usually happens due to compatibility issues between the software used to create the RTF file and the program opening it.

Solution: Try updating your software to the latest version, or use a different program like Microsoft Word or Google Docs, which tend to support RTF formatting more effectively.

Encoding Errors

Sometimes, RTF files display strange characters or symbols because of encoding errors. This happens when the file is saved with an incorrect character encoding or is opened in a program that doesn’t support the file’s encoding.

Solution: Open the file with a more versatile program, such as Microsoft Word, or use an online converter to ensure proper encoding.

Corruption or Damage

RTF files can become corrupted during file transfers, from disk errors, or due to malware, preventing them from opening properly or displaying correctly.

Solution: Try using a file repair tool or restore the file from a backup. If corruption persists, consider using another copy of the file.

Version Incompatibility

RTF files created in different versions of a program may not always open correctly, especially if the file was made in an older or newer version than the program you are using.

Solution: Use the most recent version of the software, or convert the RTF file to a more universally supported format, like DOCX or PDF.

Limited Feature Support

Some programs that open RTF files might not fully support certain formatting features or advanced elements, leading to missing content or broken formatting.

Solution: Switch to a more advanced word processor like Microsoft Word or LibreOffice Writer, which supports a broader range of RTF features. Alternatively, try converting the file to a more robust format.

Final Thoughts

Rich Text Format (RTF) files are a reliable way to create and share formatted documents across different platforms. While opening them is generally easy, occasional issues can arise, but these are often simple to fix with the right tools and tips.

For quick and easy editing of your documents, try out Voxtury’s online text editors; they are great for refining your RTF files and more.