How Can I Quickly Convert an RTF File to a Word Document

There are many formats available in which your files are saved, and each of these has its distinct features. Rich Text Format is one such file extension that was developed to enable document interchange between different word processing programs. This file stores text and information and saves basic formatting elements like font styles, sizes, and colors during the transfer between RTF to Word.

Yet, RTF files have some limitations as compared to more advanced word processing formats. That is why users need to change their files to a better format to maximize their functions and appearance. This article will explore some simple methods and online tools to convert between the two formats. It will also discuss a tool that can help repair your damaged Word documents.

Part 1. What Is the Difference Between Word and RTF File Format?

It is very important to understand the differences between the two formats to manage your workflow. Below is a comparison of major differences to consider while converting from an RTF file to Word:

Part 2. How to Convert Rich Text Format to Word via Microsoft Word

Now that you know about the differences, you will learn about how to convert an RTF format to Word using Microsoft Word. It is a simple conversion method that ensures the formatting of your document remains unchanged. This approach does not require any additional software, and you can follow the simple steps that are given below:

Step 1. To begin with the conversion, open the “Word” program on your system and open the RTF file. As it is launched, you need to select the "File” option from the top right corner.

Step 2. Upon reaching a new menu, you need to select the "Save As” option and specify a location such as “Downloads” in your storage.

Step 3. After that, a window will appear, and you need to find the "Save As Type” option and click the downward arrow. Now, you need to select the format as “Word Document” to secure your file into a new format.

Part 3. How to Convert an RTF File to Word Using Google Docs

The above method was for offline use, but if you have an active internet connection, you can convert RTF to Word with the help of Google Docs. It is an online word processor that makes it easy to convert between multiple formats without having to install any software. You can follow these simple instructions to convert your file if you do not have access to MS Word:

Instructions. To commence with, open the file that you are about to convert in Google Docs and click the “File” option. When a new menu appears, you need to choose the "Download” option and set the format as “Microsoft Word”.

Part 4. 3 Reliable Online RTF to Word Converters to Use in 2025

You have learned about two reliable methods that can help you convert between the formats. There are also some online tools discussed below that can be quick and accessible to change RTF to Word:

1. Zamzar

It is an online conversion tool that focuses on user privacy, and stores converted files securely for a maximum of 24 hours. Zamzar supports over 1000 file formats, which include audio and videos as well. Additionally, it offers an API for developers who want to add this conversion feature to their apps. With the simple steps that are given next, you can convert an RTF file to DOC easily:

Step 1. To start with, reach the “Convert RTF to DOC” webpage, where you have to click the down arrow next to “Choose Files” and select the "From My Computer” option.

Step 2. After the RTF file is imported from your storage, press the “Convert Now” button to initiate the conversion.

Step 3. The RTF file will be converted in a few moments, and you need to hit the “Download” button to export the Word file into your storage.

2. Convertio

This online platform provides support for multiple browsers to facilitate quick conversions. It is a useful online converter that supports over 200 file formats and enables users to convert Rich Text Format to Word effortlessly. Additionally, it has OCR technology to change scanned documents into files that can be edited. You can follow some simple steps to change the format of your files with this tool:

Step 1. As you reach the website of the tool, set the conversion boxes to convert “RTF to DOC” and click the "Choose Files” button.

Step 2. After the RTF file is uploaded successfully, you need to press the “Convert” button to start the procedure.

Step 3. Within a few moments, your file will be successfully changed into the new format, and you can download it using the “Download” button.

3. FreeConvert

FreeConvert has a useful batch conversion feature that allows you to work on multiple files simultaneously. It prioritizes the safety of its users and deletes the files after 8 hours of conversion. Moreover, the platform provides advanced options to set the parameters of the output file. Below, you will find some easy steps that you can follow to use this tool and convert an RTF file to Word:

Step 1. Inaugurate the process by pressing the down arrow beside the "Choose Files” button and selecting the "From Device” option as the source.

Step 2. As the RTF file is added, you need to choose the "Word” option as the target format and press the "Convert” button to start the conversion procedure.

Step 3. After waiting for a few moments, your file will be converted successfully, and you can press the "Download” button to export it.

Pro Tip. How to Utilize the Best File Repair Tool to Repair Corrupt Word Documents

While trying to convert RTF to Word with the online tools mentioned above, your files may get damaged due to some interruption. Repairit is a robust toolbox that can fix corrupted Word files, whether the issue is with fonts, headers, or footers. You can even fix garbled files whose data has been distorted with the help of this tool. Apart from Word files, it repairs PDF, Excel, and PowerPoint files.

This useful solution works on all MS Word versions, including the latest Office 365. Additionally, it allows ZIP repair, where it will decompress its content, and you can preview its internal hierarchy to confirm the results. It is flexible in terms of devices as it is compatible with Windows and macOS. Plus, the tool is efficient at fixing issues related to your damaged videos and images.

Key Features

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• Repair damaged files with all levels of corruption, including blank files, files not opening, unrecognizable format, unreadable content, files layout changed, etc.

• Perfectly repair corrupted word .docx files without modifying the original file.

• Provide an easy fix option for text, images, font, hyperlinks, header, footer, etc.

• Support Office 365, MS Word 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010, 2007, and earlier versions.

• Support Windows 11/10/8/7/Vista, Windows Server 2003/2008/2012/2016/2019/2022, and macOS 10.12~macOS 14.

• Except for Word, Repairit also supports all formats of PDF, Excel, PowerPoint, PDF, ZIP, and Adobe files.

A Comprehensive Guide to Repair Corrupt Word Documents with Repairit

Step 1. Run the program and find the file repair

Step 2. Insert the damaged documents in the tool. After your files are imported, you need to click the "Repair” button to start fixing your corrupted documents.

Step 3. Verify and export your word files

Conclusion

To sum up, each file format has different features when compared to the other one. You can convert RTF to Word with the help of different methods and some online tools discussed in the article. However, files may sometimes get corrupted during the conversions. For such cases, Repairit is an ideal solution to fix any damaged file to bring it back to work, no matter its size and volume.