How to convert DOCX to RTF
- Add your .DOCX file - drop it in the box above or click to browse.
- Convert it to .RTF in a few seconds.
- Download your new .RTF file.
What to expect
- Complex tables with merged cells, text boxes, SmartArt, tracked changes, and comments are silently dropped or flattened when saving to RTF.
- RTF files are typically larger than the original DOCX because DOCX is a compressed archive while RTF stores everything - including embedded images - as uncompressed plain text.
- Word shows a warning when saving as RTF; this is normal and does not mean the conversion failed.
Frequently asked questions
Will the RTF look exactly the same as the DOCX?
For plain prose, headings, and simple tables, yes. Complex layouts, text boxes, and tracked changes will be missing or flattened - use PDF if exact appearance matters.
Why is my RTF file larger than the original DOCX?
DOCX is a compressed ZIP archive, while RTF stores all content - including images as hexadecimal data - as uncompressed plain text, so the size difference is expected.
Is RTF safe to send by email?
RTF can carry embedded OLE objects which some email scanners flag; for plain document content the risk is low, but PDF is the safer choice for a fixed, shareable copy.
Can I convert DOCX to RTF without installing any software?
Yes - use our free converter above, or upload the DOCX to Google Docs and download it as Rich Text Format.
Programs that convert DOCX: Microsoft Word · AbiWord · Atlantis Word Processor · docXConverter · IBM Lotus Symphony · TextMaker · Microsoft WordPad · Ability Write
