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.RTF File Extension

File TypeRich Text Format File

DeveloperMicrosoft
Popularity
3.8 (281 Votes)
CategoryText Files
FormatText

What is an RTF 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.

More Information

Screenshot of a .rtf file in Microsoft WordPad

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).

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Programs that open RTF files

Windows
Any text editor that supports formatted text
Mac
Included
Any text editor that supports formatted text
Updated 2/8/2018

About RTF Files

Our goal is to help you understand what a file with a *.rtf suffix is and how to open it.

The Rich Text Format file type, file format description, and Mac, Windows, Linux, Android, and iOS programs listed on this page have been individually researched and verified by the FileInfo team. We strive for 100% accuracy and only publish information about file formats that we have tested and validated.

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