Convert RTF to TXT
Free online RTF to TXT converter. No signup required.
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Max file size: 100 MB
When to convert RTF to TXT
Use this conversion when your destination needs TXT and you have a RTF source. Keep the original so you can compare the result or try another supported format.
Text, layout, fonts, images, tables and metadata can change between document formats. Check all pages before relying on the result. OCR and exact layout preservation are not promised.
RTF vs TXT: Format Comparison
Side-by-side comparison of the source and target formats.
| Property | RTF (Source) | TXT (Target) |
|---|---|---|
| Extension | .rtf | .txt |
| Full Name | Rich Text Format | Plain Text |
| Compression | Varies | Varies |
| File Size | Varies | Small |
| Best For | Cross-platform formatted document exchange | Configuration files, scripts, and source code |
| Browser Support | Varies | Wide |
How to Convert RTF to TXT
Follow these simple steps to convert your file in seconds.
Choose a RTF file
Select or drop one file up to 100 MB. Its extension must match this converter. Availability is checked before transfer.
Convert to TXT
Text, layout, fonts, images, tables and metadata can change between document formats. Check all pages before relying on the result. OCR and exact layout preservation are not promised.
Download and check the result
Use Download after conversion completes. Open the result and check its content, quality and formatting before sharing it. Download links expire one hour after upload finishes. Uploaded and converted files are removed automatically by regular cleanup. Files may become unavailable sooner when the service restarts.
Tips for Converting RTF to TXT
Practical advice to get the best results from this conversion.
Why this conversion is worth doing
Rich Text Format has a known limitation: limited support for advanced formatting like styles, headers, and footnotes. Plain Text addresses this with a key advantage: universal compatibility with every text editor and operating system ever created. Converting from RTF to TXT is most worthwhile when this specific trade-off matters for the way you intend to use the file.
Match the format to the actual workflow
Rich Text Format is most commonly used for cross-platform formatted document exchange, while Plain Text is the standard for configuration files, scripts, and source code. If your workflow is closer to the second pattern, converting makes sense. If you are still working in a context where RTF is the norm, converting may create unnecessary compatibility friction with collaborators or tools that expect the source format.
Watch for this limitation in the TXT output
Plain Text has its own limitation worth understanding before you commit: no support for any text formatting, images, or layout. After the conversion completes, open the TXT file and verify that this limitation does not affect your specific use case — for some workflows it is irrelevant; for others it can be a deal-breaker.
Understand the editing vs. viewing trade-off
Some document formats are designed for editing (DOCX, ODT), while others are intended for final distribution (PDF). Converting to PDF locks in your formatting and makes it difficult to edit the content later. If you plan to revise the document further, keep an editable source copy before converting.
Understanding RTF and TXT Formats
Learn about the source and target file formats to understand what happens during conversion.
Source Format
Rich Text Format
application/rtfRTF (Rich Text Format) is a document file format developed by Microsoft that supports basic text formatting including fonts, colors, bold, italic, and simple tables. It uses a plain-text markup syntax that is readable across virtually all word processors and operating systems. RTF was designed as an interchange format for formatted documents between different applications.
Advantages
- Universal compatibility across virtually all word processors and platforms
- Human-readable markup that can be edited in any text editor
- Good format for simple formatted documents without complex layouts
Limitations
- Limited support for advanced formatting like styles, headers, and footnotes
- File sizes can be larger than DOCX for equivalent content
- No support for modern features like tracked changes or comments
Common Uses
- Cross-platform formatted document exchange
- Simple formatted documents where universal compatibility is needed
- Text editor output with basic formatting
Target Format
Plain Text
text/plainTXT (Plain Text) is the simplest document format, containing only unformatted text characters with no styling, images, or metadata. It uses standard character encodings like ASCII or UTF-8 and can be opened by any text editor on any platform. Plain text files are the most universal and long-lived document format in computing.
Advantages
- Universal compatibility with every text editor and operating system ever created
- Extremely small file sizes with no overhead
- Human-readable and future-proof with no risk of format obsolescence
Limitations
- No support for any text formatting, images, or layout
- No metadata, hyperlinks, or structural elements
- Character encoding differences can cause display issues across platforms
Common Uses
- Configuration files, scripts, and source code
- README files and simple documentation
- Data interchange and log files
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about converting RTF to TXT.
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