File Extension Database

Open RTF File

File extension RTF is most commonly associated with a Rich Text Format file, which is a format developed by Microsoft in the late 1980's for the transfer of formatted text documents between different platforms. The RTF file format is still owned and developed by Microsoft, with the latest version, 1.9.1, released in March 2008.

RTF files primarily contain text with additional control codes which identify the file type and also indicate formatting features to an application used to open it. RTF files can contain a variety of formatting, including emboldened, italic and underlined text, fonts and font sizes, paragraphs, text justification, bullet points, text colours and tab spaces. It is also possible to embed objects, such as images or PDF files, in packages within RTF files, which can then be activated and viewed using an appropriate application.

Though RTF files do not support many of the features of more advanced word processed document formats such as DOC, they are stored in ASCII format rather than binary. This means that they are human-readable if opened with a simple text editor as any content is stored in plaintext with any formatting indicated by control codes, which are prefixed by a backslash (), or groups which are stored within braces ({}). Though characters in RTF files are stored using 8 bits which would traditionally only allow the use of ASCII, code page and Unicode escape characters allow a much wider range of characters to be stored.

As RTF files can contain embedded objects stored in packages, it is possible that they contain malicious software such as viruses or spyware so should be checked with anti virus software before opening, particularly if the source of the file is unknown.

RTF files were developed to be cross-platform compatible, meaning that they can be transferred between a wide range of applications on Windows, Mac and UNIX-based platforms. RTF files can be opened using most word processors such as Microsoft Word, WordPad, OpenOffice.org Writer and Corel WordPerfect, or with the majority of text editing applications.

Typical RTF application file locations:

C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office12\WINWORD.EXE /n /dde
"C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office14\WINWORD.EXE" /n "%1"

Typical RTF mime types:

application/msword

Frequently used application names to open RTF files:

Microsoft Office
Microsoft Office - Office14

Frequently associated Windows objects:

Word.RTF.8

How Can I Open RTF File on Windows

We researched and learned that the best way to open RTF file is to find a RTF file in question in Windows OS File Explorer and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a RTF file is not opened in an application and you instead get a "Windows can't open a file" error message you should try looking for an application which can open the file in question.
If you know the application which can open RTF file then run it and see if there is a File->Open main menu option in the application.
If you don't know the application which function as RTF file opener then try to search online for "RTF viewer", "application to open RTF file" or "open RTF file" queries in the search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can open RTF file

How Can I Open RTF File on Mac OS

We recommend to find a RTF file in question in Mac OS Finder and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a RTF file is not opened in a Mac OS application and you instead get a "There is no application set to open the file" error message you can click on "Search App Store" in the error dialog and Mac OS will show you applications compatible with RTF file.
If you know the Mac OS application which can work as RTF file opener you can choose the "Choose Application..." option in the error box to associate the file extension and open RTF file in it.
If you don't know the application which can open RTF file then try to search for "RTF viewer", "application to open RTF file" or "read RTF file" queries in the online search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can read RTF file

How Can I Open RTF File on Android

If you downloaded a RTF file on Android device you can open it by following steps below:

In the Android apps list on your Android device find "My Files" or "File manager" app and tap to start it.
Tap on "Downloads" folder inside the app.
You should see your downloaded RTF file in that folder.
Tap on the file. If Android device supports opening the file you downloaded it will open in the corresponding app.
If file does not open you can look for the corresponding app that can open the file by searching Android App Store for the "RTF".
If you cannot open the file with the apps from Android App Store it is possible that the file could only be opened on desktop platforms such as Windows or Mac OS. Try searching for "RTF viewer", "RTF file reader" online and see if any desktop applications can open it.
It is also possible that the file you downloaded is outdated and is no longer supported.

How to Open RTF File on iPhone or iPad

To open RTF File on iOS device follow steps below:

We advies to open Files app on your iPhone or iPad device. You can find it by swiping down on the home screen and typing "Files" in the search bar.
Tap on the Downloads folder on the Files app home screen.
You will see all files that you recently downloaded. Tap on the RTF file to view it.
If you have the right app that can open it it will automatically launch and open your file.
If you don't have the app which can open it you need to serch Apple app store for "RTF". This way you can find apps which can open RTF files.
If this doesn't help it is possible that your file could be opened only by the desktop application. To find an app which can open it on desktop look for "RTF viewer" or "RTF file" online in your favorite search engine.