RTF File Extension

Programs that support RTF files

• Windows ²³
• Mac OS ⁹
• Linux ³
• Android ²
• Online Services ¹

Windows

• Microsoft Word
• AbiWord
• OpenOffice Writer
• Microsoft WordPad
• TextMaker Viewer
• xplorer²
• LibreOffice Writer
• Ability Write
• PolyEdit
• TextMaker
• WordPerfect
• IBM Lotus Symphony
• Atlantis Word Processor
• Microsoft Office
• Microsoft Word Viewer
• ABC Amber Text Converter
• Winmail Opener
• latex2rtf
• SoftMaker Office
• Cool Reader
• My Notes Center
• Ashampoo Office
• RightNote

Mac OS

• Pages
• LibreOffice Writer
• Nisus Writer Pro
• TextEdit
• Word Writer
• AbiWord
• NeoOffice
• OpenOffice Writer
• Mariner Write

Linux

• KWord
• OpenOffice Writer
• LibreOffice Writer

Android

• OfficeSuite Viewer
• OfficeSuite Professional

Online Services

• Free PDF Converter

How to open a RTF file?

If you’re having difficulty opening a RTF file, it is often due to not having the correct software. To solve the problem, choose a compatible program from the list. Then follow the link to the official developer site, download the software, and install it on your device.

The most popular programs for working with RTF files are Microsoft Word, AbiWord and KWord. To install the current version of Microsoft Word, go directly to the official Microsoft website. The universal package for all operating systems is available there.

Following installation, RTF files should be automatically opened with Microsoft Word.

Set Microsoft Word as the default RTF program

Changing the default program in Windows

1. Right-click your RTF file, then navigate to the "Open With" option and click "Choose Another Application" to continue;
2. In the pop-up window, select the Microsoft Word application;
3. Check the "Always use this application" checkbox, and then click "OK" to apply the selected application as the default for opening RTF files.

Change Default Program on Mac

1. Right click or Control + left click on the desired RTF file;
2. Select "Open in application" and click "Other";
3. Look at the bottom of the window, where you will see the "Enable" menu. "Recommended Programs" will be selected as the default option;
4. Within this menu select "All Programs" and navigate to Microsoft Word. Check the box next to "Always open in app" to make sure it’s the default option.

Convert to and from RTF

For difficult RTF files, try converting them to formats like JPG, PDF, EPUB, XLS, EPS or similar formats to improve usability.

Please note that after converting a RTF file, some functionality may differ from the original. However, in many cases, it can be converted back to its original format.

Using offline applications such as Microsoft Word, ABC Amber Text Converter and WordPerfect, you can convert RTF files to various formats without losing data quality.

Convert RTF to other file formats

• RTF to DOTX
• RTF to EPUB
• RTF to ASCII
• RTF to JPG
• RTF to DOCX
• RTF to AWW

Converting Files to RTF Format

• AWW to RTF
• TXT to RTF
• XLS to RTF
• SNB to RTF
• HTML to RTF
• PRC to RTF

Solve problems with RTF files

When issues arise with RTF files, they can generally be fixed with small software tweaks. Use the troubleshooting tips below to help resolve them.

How to edit a RTF file?

To edit RTF files, you need to install specialized software that allows you not only to open but also to modify document files. Online RTF editors usually provide fewer features than software created specifically for Rich Text Format.

List of Top RTF editors 2026

Taking into account the provided details, we have prepared a list of RTF editors that match your needs.