Convert DOC to RTF Online Free
DOC is the older binary Microsoft Word format from Word 97-2003. RTF is a lightweight formatted-text format readable across many word processors. FileConverter turns your DOC into RTF online in seconds - free, privacy-first, and with no software to install or account to create.
Convert DOC to RTF
RTF is already selected. Add your DOC file to start.
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DOC to RTF frees a document from Microsoft's legacy binary format into Rich Text — a plain, portable envelope that WordPad, LibreOffice, Pages, and virtually every word processor of the past thirty years can open and edit.
What changes when you convert DOC to RTF
Converting DOC to RTF changes the document format while aiming to preserve your text and core structure. Complex layouts may shift slightly, so review the RTF output before sharing widely.
About the DOC format
DOC is the pre-2007 Word format, still found in older archives and templates. Converting it to modern DOCX or PDF improves compatibility with current software. In everyday use, DOC is chosen for legacy Word documents and templates and archives created before Word 2007. It opens in Microsoft Word, LibreOffice, and Google Docs.
About the RTF format
RTF supports basic formatting such as bold, italics, and fonts while staying more portable than DOCX. It bridges older and newer word processors when a plain TXT file loses too much structure. In everyday use, RTF is chosen for cross-application formatted text and legacy word-processing workflows. It opens in Word, WordPad, LibreOffice, and TextEdit.
DOC vs RTF
DOC is best known for opens in Word and most office suites, while RTF stands out for keeps basic formatting while staying portable. Choosing between them comes down to where the file needs to go next.
Common use cases
People convert DOC to RTF for jobs such as cross-application formatted text and legacy word-processing workflows. It is especially common when a DOC file arrives from one system but needs to work in another that standardises on RTF.
When to convert DOC to RTF
Reach for DOC to RTF when your destination expects RTF — for example cross-application formatted text and legacy word-processing workflows. It is the right move when you receive a DOC file but the app, website, or person you are working with cannot use it. Bear in mind that larger than TXT and less capable than DOCX, so keep your original DOC if you might need it again.
How to convert DOC to RTF
- Upload your DOC file to the converter at the top of this page - RTF is already selected as the output.
- Check the size limit shown on this page, then drag and drop or browse for your file.
- Confirm RTF is still the target format, or pick a different one from the grid.
- Start the conversion and download your RTF file the moment it is ready.
Quality tips
Digital-born DOC files convert most predictably. Scanned pages need OCR before editable text looks perfect, and very complex layouts are worth a quick review in the destination app after converting to RTF.
Platform compatibility
The DOC to RTF converter runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS - anywhere with a modern browser, with no plugins or permissions required. Once exported, RTF opens in Word, WordPad, LibreOffice, and TextEdit.
File size limits
Documents up to 200MB
Troubleshooting
- If the file exceeds the limit shown below, compress images, trim video, or split archives before retrying.
- If conversion fails, confirm the extension matches the real format — renaming a file alone does not change its contents.
- Password-protected PDFs must be unlocked before conversion.
- Heavy formatting may shift slightly — allow a minute to tidy headings in Word or a similar app.
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