9 Best Tools to Convert RTF to TXT Easily

RTF Vs TXT: Why Convert RTF File To TXT

Although both RTF and TXT store text, they serve very different purposes. Understanding their differences makes it easier to decide when converting an RTF document into plain text is the better option.

RTF (Rich Text Format) is a document format developed by Microsoft that stores formatted text along with information such as fonts, colors, paragraph spacing, tables, images, and other layout elements. It is widely supported by word processors but produces larger files because of the additional formatting data.

TXT (Plain Text) contains only characters and line breaks. It removes every formatting element, making the file extremely lightweight and compatible with almost every operating system, programming editor, and document viewer.

RTF vs TXT Comparison

People typically convert RTF files to TXT when they need maximum compatibility, smaller file sizes, cleaner text for coding, or documents that can be opened by virtually any application.

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5 Best RTF To TXT Converters Online Free

Online converters are ideal when you only need to convert a few documents and don’t want to install additional software. The following services were selected based on conversion quality, ease of use, reliability, and overall user experience.

1. CloudConvert RTF To TXT Converter

CloudConvert is one of the most reliable online file conversion platforms available today. It supports hundreds of document, video, audio, image, and archive formats while maintaining a clean, beginner-friendly interface.

During testing, its RTF to TXT conversion preserved the document text accurately while removing formatting exactly as expected, making it an excellent choice for users who need a dependable RTF to TXT converter.

2. Online2PDF

Online2PDF is best known for PDF tools, but it also supports document conversions, including RTF to TXT. Unlike many competitors, it allows users to upload multiple files simultaneously and offers additional processing options before conversion. During testing, it handled batch document uploads smoothly while producing clean TXT files suitable for editing or archiving.

3. AnyConv

AnyConv focuses on simplicity. Instead of presenting dozens of settings, it allows users to upload an RTF file, choose TXT as the output format, and download the converted document within a few clicks. It’s a convenient choice for users who want to convert RTF to TXT online quickly without navigating complicated menus.

4. FileStack Free RTF To TXT Online Converter

FileStack offers document conversion through its cloud-based file processing platform. While the service is primarily designed for developers integrating file conversion into applications, its online converter also works well for everyday users. During testing, it converted standard RTF documents accurately while preserving all textual content in plain TXT format.

5. CoolUtils Converter

CoolUtils RTF to Plain Text Online Converter has long specialized in file conversion software, and its online RTF to TXT converter reflects that experience. The service offers a straightforward upload-and-convert workflow while supporting many office document formats. During testing, it converted formatted RTF files into clean TXT documents efficiently and maintained readable text without introducing unwanted symbols or encoding issues.

How To Save RTF As TXT On Windows?

If you already have a Windows PC, you don’t necessarily need an online converter to change an RTF document into plain text. Several built-in or commonly installed applications can complete the job in just a few clicks. The following methods are reliable for both occasional conversions and everyday document editing.

Method 1: Using Microsoft Word

If Microsoft Word is installed on your computer, it’s one of the easiest ways to change RTF to TXT while giving you the opportunity to review the document before saving it.

As Word fully supports the Rich Text Format, it can accurately open the original file and export only the plain text content, removing fonts, images, colors, and other formatting elements.

• Open Microsoft Word and click “File” then “Open” to select the RTF document.

• Click “File” then “Save As” and choose the destination folder. Select “Plain Text (.TXT)” from the Save as type menu and click “Save”.

  

• Confirm the text encoding if prompted.

Method 2: Using WordPad Or Notepad

For users who don’t have Microsoft Word installed, Windows still offers a simple alternative. WordPad can open most RTF documents without difficulty, while Notepad is useful for saving the final plain text version.

This method is completely free and works well for basic documents that don’t contain complex formatting or embedded objects.

• Open the RTF document in WordPad.

• Click “File” then “Save As” and choose “Plain Text Document” to save the file.

  

How To Convert RTF To TXT On Mac?

Mac users also have several convenient ways to create plain text files from Rich Text Format documents.

Whether you prefer a graphical application or a command-line solution for batch processing, macOS includes tools that can handle the task without installing additional software.

Method 1: Use TextEdit

TextEdit comes preinstalled with every Mac and supports both rich text and plain text editing. It’s the quickest option for users who only need to know how to save RTF as TXT occasionally.

As the application already understands RTF formatting, converting the document simply involves switching to plain text before saving.

• Open TextEdit, then click “File” and then “Open” and select the RTF file.

• Open the “Format” menu and choose “Make Plain Text”.

  

• Confirm the conversion when prompted.

• Go to File > Save.

• In the save dialog, make sure the file extension is .txt. Click Save.

Method 2: Batch Convert RTF File To TXT Using Terminal

If you need to batch convert RTF to TXT, Terminal provides a much faster workflow than opening every document individually. By using macOS command-line tools or simple scripts, you can process an entire folder of RTF files at once.

This approach is particularly useful for users managing archives, exported notes, or large collections of documents.

• Open Terminal and navigate to the folder containing your RTF files.

• Run “textutil -convert txt .rtf”.

  

• Wait for Terminal to finish converting the files, then open the output folder and verify the generated TXT documents.

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⚡ How To Fix RTF Corrupted Or Not Opening?

Sometimes the issue isn’t converting the file but opening it in the first place. An RTF document can become corrupted because of interrupted transfers, storage device errors, malware, unexpected system shutdowns, or software crashes.

When that happens, word processors may refuse to open the file, display unreadable characters, or report that the document is damaged. If your RTF document won’t open or displays corrupted content, 4DDiG File Repair offers a straightforward way to recover damaged files before attempting another conversion.

Key Advantages Of 4DDiG File Repair

• Repairs corrupted RTF, DOC, DOCX, PDF, Excel, PowerPoint, and many other document formats.
• Uses AI-powered repair technology to rebuild damaged document structures while preserving formatting whenever possible.
• Supports batch repair, allowing multiple corrupted documents to be repaired simultaneously.
• Repairs files damaged by interrupted downloads, storage device failures, malware, unexpected shutdowns, and transfer errors.
• Includes a preview feature so you can verify repaired documents before exporting them.
• Beginner-friendly interface with a guided repair process.
• Compatible with both Windows and macOS.

Steps To Repair Problem RTF Files

• Install and launch 4DDiG File Repair, then choose "File Repair" and click "Add Files" to import the problematic RTF files.

  

• After you have added all the problematic files, click “Repair All” to begin the repair process.

  

• Wait for the repair process to complete and click “Preview” to check the results. Click "Save” and choose a safe location to save the repaired document.

  

People Also Ask About RTF To TXT

Q1: Is It Safe To Use An Online RTF To TXT Converter?

Generally, yes, provided you use a reputable service. If your RTF files contain sensitive or confidential information, a desktop application is usually the safer option because your documents remain on your own computer.

Q2: Is RTF A TXT File?

No. Although both formats store text, RTF supports formatting such as fonts, colors, images, and tables, while TXT contains only plain text without any formatting.

Q3: Can You Open RTF Files With Notepad?

Yes, but Notepad displays only the raw text along with formatting codes, making it difficult to read properly. Applications such as Microsoft Word, WordPad, or TextEdit are much better choices for opening RTF documents.

Conclusion

Whether you choose an online converter, Microsoft Word, TextEdit, or Terminal, it’s easy to convert RTF to TXT and create lightweight documents that work almost anywhere. The best method depends on whether you need occasional conversions or batch processing. If your RTF file is corrupted and won’t open before conversion, 4DDiG File Repair is one of the best tools to recover damaged documents so you can access and convert them successfully.