Convert OpenDocument Text to Rich Text Format Online Free
Convert OpenDocument Text to Rich Text Format for maximum compatibility with legacy word processors, email systems, and document workflows that predate open standards.
ChangeThisFile converts your OpenDocument Text to Rich Text Format using LibreOffice on our secure servers, preserving text styles, tables, and formatting. RTF is supported by virtually every word processor ever made, making it ideal for broad compatibility. Encrypted upload, automatic file deletion, completely free with no signup required.
Convert OpenDocument Text to Rich Text Format
Drop your OpenDocument Text file here to convert it instantly
Drag & drop your .odt file here, or click to browse
Convert to Rich Text Format instantly
OpenDocument Text vs Rich Text Format: Format Comparison
Key differences between the two formats
| Feature | OpenDocument Text | Rich Text Format |
|---|---|---|
| File format | XML container (.odt / ZIP) | Plain text with control words (.rtf) |
| Specification | ISO/IEC 26300 open standard | Microsoft RTF Specification 1.9.1 |
| Developed by | OASIS consortium | Microsoft |
| Introduced | 2005 | 1987 |
| Primary application | LibreOffice Writer, OpenOffice | Universal — all major word processors |
| Advanced features | Full open feature set, macros | Core text formatting only |
| Compatibility | LibreOffice, OpenOffice, Google Docs | Virtually every word processor ever made |
When to Convert
Common scenarios where this conversion is useful
Sharing with legacy Microsoft Office users
Convert ODT documents to RTF for recipients using very old versions of Microsoft Word that may have limited or no ODT support.
Email client integration
Many email clients and CRM platforms use RTF natively for formatted content in email bodies and document attachments.
Legal and court document systems
Court filing platforms and legal document management software frequently accept RTF as a standard document format input.
Desktop publishing handoff
Convert ODT files to RTF for import into legacy desktop publishing applications and print layout tools.
Broadest possible document exchange
RTF's near-universal compatibility makes it the safest choice when you don't know what software the recipient uses.
How to Convert OpenDocument Text to Rich Text Format
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1
Upload your OpenDocument Text file
Drag and drop your .odt file onto the converter, or click to browse. Files up to 50 MB are supported for free.
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2
Server-side conversion with LibreOffice
Your file is securely uploaded and converted on our servers using LibreOffice headless, translating the ODT XML structure into RTF control words.
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3
Download the result
Once conversion is complete, click Download to save your .rtf file. The uploaded file is automatically deleted from our servers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, completely free. Convert ODT to RTF with no cost, no signup, and no watermarks.
Core formatting including bold, italic, paragraph styles, fonts, basic tables, and embedded images is preserved. ODT-specific features like advanced macros and form controls are not transferred.
RTF provides broader compatibility than DOCX, especially with legacy software, legal systems, and email clients that were built before the DOCX format existed.
No. Files are automatically deleted immediately after conversion. Nothing is stored or retained.
Yes. Files are transferred over encrypted HTTPS connections. Your data is protected in transit.
The conversion uses LibreOffice headless on our servers, providing native reading of ODT format and accurate translation to RTF.
Yes. Images embedded in the ODT document are included in the output RTF file as embedded binary data.
Yes. Microsoft Word supports RTF natively and has done so since its earliest versions.
No. ODT macro scripts are not transferred to RTF. RTF does not support executable macros, which also makes the output safer to distribute.
Files up to 50 MB are supported for free conversion.
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