Browse Definitions :
Definition

Rich Text Format (RTF)

What is Rich Text Format (RTF)?

Rich Text Format (RTF) is a file format that lets you exchange text files between different word processors in different operating systems (OSes).

For example, you can create a file in Microsoft Word and then open it in another word processor, such as Apple Pages or Google Docs. RTF is supported by many word processors, making it a useful format for exchanging files between different software programs.

How are text files encoded?

RTF files are encoded using the American Standard Code for Information Interchange (ASCII) standard, which makes them easy to transfer between different computers and OSes. ASCII is a standard code that represents characters using numbers, and it is the most common encoding used for text files.

RTF files use control words to format the text. Control words are short codes that represent various formatting options, such as bold or italic.

When saving a file in Rich Text Format, the file is processed by an RTF writer that converts the word processor's markup to the RTF language.

When being read, the control words and symbols are processed by an RTF reader that converts the RTF language into formatting for the word processor, which displays the document.

RTF, word processors
The Rich Text Format (RTF) file format enables users to exchange text documents between different word processors in different OSes.

Why use Rich Text Format?

The primary advantage of using RTF is that it is a cross-platform format. This means that you can open and edit RTF files on any word processor that supports the format.

Another advantage of RTF is that it preserves the formatting of your document. This is useful if you want to maintain the same layout and design across different word processors.

What are the disadvantages of Rich Text Format?

One disadvantage of RTF is that it does not support all features of a word processor. For example, RTF does not support tables or images.

Another disadvantage is that RTF files can be larger than other types of text files, such as plaintext files. This is because RTF files contain more information about the formatting of the document. So, sending and downloading these files can be time-consuming.

How to open an RTF file

To open an RTF file, you need a word processor that supports the format. As previously stated, some of the most popular word processors that can open RTF files include Microsoft Word, Apple Pages and Google Docs.

If you don't have a word processor that can open RTF files, you can convert the file to another format using a file converter. For example, you can use a free online converter to convert an RTF file to a Portable Document Format or DOCX file.

Explore top Microsoft Office alternatives for enterprise use and paperless office software tools to consider.

This was last updated in September 2022

Continue Reading About Rich Text Format (RTF)

Networking
  • voice over LTE (VoLTE)

    Voice over LTE (VoLTE) is a digital packet technology that uses 4G LTE networks to route voice traffic and transmit data.

  • ONOS (Open Network Operating System)

    Open Network Operating System (ONOS) is an OS designed to help network service providers build carrier-grade software-defined ...

  • telematics

    Telematics is a term that combines the words telecommunications and informatics to describe the use of communications and IT to ...

Security
  • three-factor authentication (3FA)

    Three-factor authentication (3FA) is the use of identity-confirming credentials from three separate categories of authentication ...

  • cyber espionage

    Cyber espionage (cyberespionage) is a type of cyber attack that malicious hackers carry out against a business or government ...

  • role-based access control (RBAC)

    Role-based access control (RBAC) is a method of restricting network access based on the roles of individual users within an ...

CIO
  • project charter

    A project charter is a formal short document that states a project exists and provides project managers with written authority to...

  • leadership

    Leadership is the ability of an individual or a group of people to influence and guide followers or members of an organization, ...

  • transaction

    In computing, a transaction is a set of related tasks treated as a single action.

HRSoftware
  • employee engagement

    Employee engagement is the emotional and professional connection an employee feels toward their organization, colleagues and work.

  • talent pool

    A talent pool is a database of job candidates who have the potential to meet an organization's immediate and long-term needs.

  • diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI)

    Diversity, equity and inclusion is a term used to describe policies and programs that promote the representation and ...

Customer Experience
  • sales development representative (SDR)

    A sales development representative (SDR) is an individual who focuses on prospecting, moving and qualifying leads through the ...

  • service level indicator

    A service level indicator (SLI) is a metric that indicates what measure of performance a customer is receiving at a given time.

  • customer data platform (CDP)

    A customer data platform (CDP) is a type of software application that provides a unified platform of customer information that ...

Close