Convert Rich Text Format to OpenDocument Text Online Free

Convert Rich Text Format files to OpenDocument Text for full editing in LibreOffice, compliance with open-standards mandates, and long-term archival.

Quick Answer

ChangeThisFile converts your Rich Text Format document to OpenDocument Text using LibreOffice on our secure servers, preserving text formatting, tables, and images. ODT is the ISO-standardized open format for word processing, fully editable in LibreOffice and OpenOffice. Encrypted upload, automatic file deletion, completely free with no signup required.

Free, no signup Under 1 minute

Convert Rich Text Format to OpenDocument Text

Drop your Rich Text Format file here to convert it instantly

Drag & drop your .rtf file here, or click to browse

Convert to OpenDocument Text instantly

Rich Text Format vs OpenDocument Text: Format Comparison

Key differences between the two formats

FeatureRich Text FormatOpenDocument Text
File formatPlain text with control words (.rtf)XML container (.odt / ZIP)
SpecificationMicrosoft RTF Specification 1.9.1ISO/IEC 26300 open standard
Developed byMicrosoft (1987)OASIS consortium (2005)
Primary applicationUniversal legacy compatibilityLibreOffice Writer, OpenOffice
Advanced featuresCore text formatting onlyFull word processing feature set
LicenseMicrosoft specificationOpen standard (royalty-free)
Long-term viabilityStable but proprietary specISO-guaranteed open standard

When to Convert

Common scenarios where this conversion is useful

Upgrading legacy RTF documents

Convert old RTF files to the modern ODT open standard to gain access to advanced formatting features and full LibreOffice compatibility.

Open-standards compliance

Government and public institutions moving to open-standards document formats can convert their existing RTF archives to ODT.

Further editing in LibreOffice

ODT is LibreOffice Writer's native format, providing the best editing experience for ongoing document development.

Adding advanced document features

After converting RTF to ODT, you can add macros, advanced styles, form fields, and other features not available in RTF.

Long-term document archival

Migrate RTF documents to the ISO-standardized ODT format to ensure long-term readability without dependency on any single vendor's tools.

How to Convert Rich Text Format to OpenDocument Text

  1. 1

    Upload your Rich Text Format file

    Drag and drop your .rtf file onto the converter, or click to browse. Files up to 50 MB are supported for free.

  2. 2

    Server-side conversion with LibreOffice

    Your file is securely uploaded and converted on our servers using LibreOffice headless, translating RTF control words into a standards-compliant ODT document.

  3. 3

    Download the result

    Once conversion is complete, click Download to save your .odt file. The uploaded file is automatically deleted from our servers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, completely free. Convert RTF to ODT with no cost, no signup, and no watermarks.

Text styles, bold, italic, paragraph formatting, basic tables, fonts, and embedded images are preserved. RTF features that have no ODT equivalent are handled as closely as possible.

Yes. ODT is LibreOffice Writer's native format and opens with full editing capability.

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 accurate reading of RTF control words and reliable ODT output.

ODT is an ISO-standardized open format with a governance body ensuring its longevity. RTF is a Microsoft specification that has seen no major updates since the 2000s.

Yes. Images embedded in the RTF document are preserved in the output ODT file.

Yes. Google Docs can open, edit, and export ODT files, making it a versatile format across multiple office platforms.

Files up to 50 MB are supported for free conversion.

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