What Is .rtf

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Last updated: April 11, 2026

Quick Answer: RTF (Rich Text Format) is a proprietary document file format created by Microsoft in 1987 that enables the storage and sharing of formatted text and basic document elements across different platforms. Unlike plain text, RTF preserves formatting such as fonts, colors, bold, italic, and text alignment, making it useful for exchanging documents while maintaining consistent appearance. The format uses ASCII-based encoding, making it both human-readable and widely compatible with word processors across Windows, Mac, and Linux systems.

Key Facts

RTF was created by Microsoft in 1987 as an alternative to proprietary word processor formats
The current RTF specification version is 1.9.1, released in 2008 by Microsoft
RTF files use ASCII text encoding, making them significantly smaller than binary formats like .docx
RTF supports basic formatting including fonts, colors, bold, italic, underline, and text alignment
RTF is platform-independent and compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems

Overview

Rich Text Format (RTF) is a proprietary document file format developed by Microsoft in 1987. It was designed as a universal standard for exchanging formatted documents between different word processors and operating systems while preserving basic formatting elements like fonts, colors, and text styles.

Unlike plain text (.txt) files that contain only unformatted characters, RTF files store both text content and formatting information in a human-readable ASCII format. This makes RTF an ideal choice for users who need to share documents with others using different software platforms without sacrificing formatting. The format gained significant popularity in the 1990s and early 2000s for document exchange, particularly before modern formats like .docx became standardized.

How It Works

RTF documents are structured using control words and special syntax that describe formatting instructions. The format uses backslash-prefixed commands to encode formatting information alongside plain text content, allowing any text editor to read the basic content while specialized software can interpret the formatting codes.

Control Words: RTF uses special commands prefixed with backslashes (\) to define formatting, such as \b for bold, \i for italic, and \ul for underline, which are embedded directly in the document text
Character Formatting: The format supports font selection (\f), font size (\fs), text color (\cf), and background color (\cb) through specific control sequences that apply to selected text ranges
Paragraph Formatting: Users can apply paragraph-level formatting including alignment (\ql for left, \qr for right, \qc for center), indentation (\li for left indent, \ri for right indent), and line spacing using dedicated control words
Document Structure: RTF documents begin with {\rtf1 and use curly braces to denote groups and nesting levels, allowing complex hierarchical formatting and document organization
Compatibility Layer: The ASCII-based encoding ensures that RTF files can be opened and read by any text editor, even if the application doesn't understand the formatting codes, making it highly portable

Key Comparisons

Feature	RTF	Plain Text (.txt)	Microsoft Word (.docx)
Text Formatting	Supports basic formatting (bold, italic, colors, fonts)	No formatting support	Advanced formatting and styles
File Size	Small to medium (ASCII-based)	Very small	Larger (binary/XML-based)
Cross-Platform Compatibility	Excellent across Windows, Mac, and Linux	Universal compatibility	Good, but best on Windows
Complex Features	Limited (no embedded images or multimedia)	Not applicable	Extensive (tables, images, advanced objects)
Human Readable	Yes, readable with control codes visible	Yes, pure text	No, requires specialized software

Why It Matters

Universal Exchange: RTF remains valuable for exchanging documents between users with different software platforms, ensuring formatting is preserved without compatibility issues that sometimes occur with proprietary formats
Legacy Document Support: Millions of documents created in the 1990s and 2000s exist in RTF format, and the continued support for RTF in modern applications ensures these historical documents remain accessible
Simplicity and Accessibility: RTF strikes a balance between plain text simplicity and formatted document complexity, making it ideal for sharing documents that need basic formatting without excessive file size or compatibility requirements
Technical Reliability: The ASCII-based structure of RTF makes it resistant to corruption and ensures that documents remain readable even if opened in applications that don't fully support the RTF specification

Today, while modern formats like .docx have largely replaced RTF for most professional use cases, RTF continues to serve important roles in document exchange, legacy system support, and situations where maximum compatibility is essential. Many applications including Microsoft Word, Google Docs, LibreOffice, and Apple Pages continue to support RTF, reflecting its enduring relevance in the digital document ecosystem.