How to Convert MS Word to RTF

Convert MS Word documents to RTF files with a few mouse clicks.

RTF refers to the Rich Text Format created and released by Microsoft in 1987 for some of its word processor software programs. The RTF (.rtf) format enables the transfer of formatted text between applications. The RTF format also enables the use of the files on completely different platforms, such as IBM PCs and Macs.



Many word processing applications do not support the proprietary .doc or .docx files created by Microsoft Word. However, almost all word processing programs support .rtf files. Therefore, if you want to open an MS Word file in a different application, convert the file to an RTF file.

Things You'll Need

• Microsoft Word (applicable to all versions)

Instructions

MS Word Versions Prior to Word 2007

1. Open the MS Word document that you want to convert to the RTF format by double-clicking on the document icon. Alternatively, open the document in Word by clicking the "File" tab on the menu bar, and then the "Open" option. Browse to the file on your computer and click the "Open" button.

2. Make any needed changes to the document. Click the "File" tab on the menu bar, and then the "Save" option. MS Word will save the changes.

3. Click on the "File" tab, and then click the "Save As" option. When the "Save As" dialog box appears, use the drop-down box next to the "Save as type:" label and scroll down to and select the "Rich Text Format (.rtf)" option.

4. Change the name in the "File Name" field if you wish to save the converted document with a different name. Browse to the folder where you want to save the new RTF file.

5. Click the "Save" button. Word will then convert the document into the RTF format and save it in the specified folder.

MS Word 2007

1. Open the document you wish convert to the RTF format and make any needed changes. If you make changes, click the "Office Button" in the upper-left corner of the MS Word 2007 program screen, and then click the "Save" tab.

2. Click the "Office Button." Scroll down to the "Save As" tab and then highlight and click the "Other Formats" option.

3. Scroll to the "Rich Text Format" option in the "Save as type:" drop-down box and click to select it. If you want to save the new RTF file with a new name, enter the name in the "File name:" field.

4. Browse to the folder on your computer where you want save the converted document file. Click the "Save" button near the lower-right corner of the dialog window. After you click the "Save" button, Word will save the document as an RTF file in the specified folder location.

References

• Microsoft Office: Open and Save Files in Formats Supported by Word
• Colorado State University: Rich Text Format (RTF) from Microsoft Word