File Extension Library


.RTF File Extension

  • Developer by: Microsoft
  • Category: Text Files
  • Format: Text

What are .RTF files and how to open them?

Can't open .RTF file? Are you wondering what it contains? On our site we will explain to you what this file is, what it is used for and what software opens the .RTF file.

What is a .RTF file extension?

.RTF file extension is created by Microsoft. .RTF has been classified as Text Files. The format of .RTF file is Text.

.RTF is Rich Text Format File

An RTF file is a common text file format that supports "rich text." It includes several types of text formatting, such as bold type, italics, different fonts and font sizes, and custom tab settings. RTF files also support objects and images, such as .JPG and .PNG files, saved within the text file.

RTF file open in Microsoft WordPad

The Rich Text Format (RTF) was introduced by Microsoft in 1987 and developed up until 2008 when Microsoft stopped updating the format. There have been many revisions to RTF over the years with most word processors supporting some version of the format.

One of the main benefits of RTF files is its interoperability between word processors and operating systems. This means that you can save the file in WordPad in Windows and open it in TextEdit in OS X with little change in formatting. Any changes in formatting can be attributed to the different versions of the RTF specification supported by different programs and program versions.

Common RTF Filenames

New Rich Text Document.rtf - The default name given to new RTF files created via the Windows context menu (right click in a folder and choose New → Rich Text Document).

List of all softwares that can open the Rich Text Format File
Windows
File Viewer Plus
Microsoft WordPad
Microsoft Word 2016
Corel WordPerfect X9
Nuance OmniPage Ultimate
AbiSource AbiWord
Mac
Apple TextEdit
Apple Pages
Microsoft Word 2016
AbiSource AbiWord
Wondershare PDF Editor for Mac 5
Linux
AbiSource AbiWord
Les Hardy RTF Editor
iOS
MobiSystems OfficeSuite Pro
Android
MobiSystems OfficeSuite Pro

How to fix problems with .RTF files

  1. You need to update the application that you normally use to open .RTF files. Only the latest version of the software supports the current .RTF file format
  2. You need to check the .RTF file for viruses. To do this, you need to scan it with a popular antivirus (Norton, Nod32, Kaspersky, Dr.Web, etc.)