Rich Text Format (RTF) is a popular file format that stores text with various formatting such as bold, italic, underline, and font style. However, not all applications support RTF files, which can cause problems when you need to share or edit them. Converting RTF to TXT is a simple solution to ensure the text is accessible in any text editor or application. This article will provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to convert RTF to TXT, including some of the benefits and limitations of this file format.
There are several benefits of converting RTF to TXT. Some of these benefits include:
Compatibility: TXT files are compatible with most text editors, including basic text editors that are pre-installed on computers. This means that anyone with a computer can open and read the file, regardless of the software they use.
Accessibility: TXT files are simple and easy to read, making them accessible to anyone. They don't contain any special formatting, making them ideal for text that needs to be read quickly or on small screens.
Smaller File Size: TXT files are much smaller than RTF files since they don't contain any formatting data. This makes them easier to send or share over email or other online platforms.
Easy to Edit: Since TXT files don't contain any formatting data, they are easy to edit using any text editor. This makes them an ideal format for plain text documents or files where formatting is not a priority.
Converting RTF to TXT is a straightforward process that can be done using several methods. Here are some of the most common ways to convert RTF to TXT:
Method 1: Using a Text Editor
One of the simplest ways to convert RTF to TXT is by using a text editor. Here's how to do it:
Open the RTF file in a text editor, such as Notepad or TextEdit.
Select "File" from the menu, then click "Save As."
Choose "Text" or "Plain Text" as the file type.
Name the file and choose a location to save it.
Click "Save."
The RTF file will now be saved as a TXT file and can be opened in any text editor.
Method 2: Using Online Converters
Several online converters can convert RTF to TXT, and most of them are free to use. Here's how to use an online converter:
Go to an online converter, such as Online-Convert or Convertio.
Upload the RTF file by clicking "Select File" or dragging and dropping it into the upload box.
Choose "TXT" as the output format.
Click "Convert" or "Start Conversion."
Once the conversion is complete, click "Download" to download the TXT file.
Method 3: Using Command Prompt or Terminal
Another method to convert RTF to TXT is by using the Command Prompt or Terminal application. Here's how to do it:
Open the Command Prompt or Terminal application.
Navigate to the directory where the RTF file is located using the "cd" command.
Type "textutil -convert txt [filename].rtf" and press Enter. Replace [filename] with the name of the RTF file.
The RTF file will be converted to a TXT file in the same directory.