Convert PDF to RTF Online

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Total PDF Converter

Total PDF Converter supports PDF, PS, EPS, PRN, XPS, OXPS files. It's not a simple PRN converter, it's the all-in-one solution. New formats are constantly being added.

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PDF to Word converter supports both Doc and DOCX for your convenience.

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Convert PDF/PS/EPS/PRN files via our clear interface with lots of hints for beginners.

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PDF to RTF Conversion — Frequently Asked Questions ▼

Can any PDF be converted to RTF?

Most PDFs can be converted to RTF. PDFs with selectable text (the text is stored as character data in the PDF) convert cleanly — paragraphs, fonts, and tables are reconstructed. Scanned PDFs (image-only PDFs where the text is a picture) require OCR to extract text. The converter includes built-in OCR for scanned documents.

What is RTF format and who uses it?

RTF (Rich Text Format) was created by Microsoft in 1987 as a portable document exchange format. Unlike DOCX (which is proprietary Office Open XML), RTF is an open format understood by virtually every word processor: Microsoft Word, LibreOffice Writer, Google Docs (via upload), WordPad, TextEdit (macOS), WPS Office, and Nisus Writer. It is the safest choice when you need to send an editable document to someone whose software you don't know.

Is the layout preserved when converting PDF to RTF?

The converter reconstructs paragraph flow, font sizes, bold/italic, tables, and basic layout from the PDF's structure. However, pixel-perfect layout replication is not always possible — PDFs store absolute coordinates, while RTF uses flow-based paragraph model. Complex multi-column layouts and text frames may reflow differently in the RTF output.

Does PDF to RTF handle scanned PDFs?

Yes — the online converter includes OCR that recognizes text in scanned pages. OCR output quality depends on scan resolution and clarity. For best results, scans should be at least 300 DPI with good contrast. Handwritten text is not recognized.

Will tables in a PDF be preserved in the RTF output?

Tables with clear visible grid lines are generally detected and reproduced as RTF table structures. Tables that appear as aligned columns of text (no visible borders) may be converted as tab-separated text rather than proper tables. Complex nested tables or merged cells may simplify during conversion.

What word processors can open RTF files?

Microsoft Word (all versions), LibreOffice Writer, Apache OpenOffice Writer, WPS Office, Google Docs (upload as RTF), Apple Pages, Nisus Writer, Mellel, WordPad (Windows built-in), and TextEdit (macOS). RTF is one of the most universally compatible editable document formats — if someone can't open DOCX, they can almost certainly open RTF.

Is PDF to RTF better than PDF to DOCX?

It depends on the recipient. DOCX is better if the recipient uses Microsoft Office 2007+ and needs full fidelity (complex formatting, styles). RTF is better for maximum compatibility — older Word versions, LibreOffice, and non-Microsoft word processors handle RTF more reliably than DOCX. RTF is also simpler to process programmatically.

Convert PDF to RTF Online — PDF to Editable Rich Text

PDFs are locked — you can read them, print them, and annotate them, but editing the content requires converting to an editable format first. RTF is the most universally compatible editable document format: it opens in every word processor on every platform, from Microsoft Word 95 to LibreOffice to Apple Pages.

PDF to RTF vs PDF to DOCX — When to Use Which

Scenario	Best format	Why
Recipient uses Microsoft Word 2007+	DOCX	Full fidelity with modern Word features
Recipient uses LibreOffice, WPS, or unknown software	RTF	RTF is universally supported
Recipient uses old Word (97–2003)	RTF	Old Word reads RTF perfectly
Need to send to a mobile word processor	RTF	More compatible than DOCX on older apps
Programmatic processing / scripting	RTF	Simpler format, easier to parse than DOCX
Legal document submission (older court systems)	RTF	Many legal filing systems require RTF

How to Convert PDF to RTF Online

Click Choose File or drag your .pdf file into the upload area above.

The converter extracts text, detects paragraph flow, identifies tables, and reconstructs the document structure in RTF format. Scanned pages go through OCR automatically.

Click Download to save the .rtf file.

Open in Microsoft Word, LibreOffice Writer, or any word processor to edit.

What Is Preserved in PDF to RTF Conversion?

Text content: All body text, headings, and paragraph flow in reading order.

Basic formatting: Font sizes, bold/italic, and paragraph alignment are reconstructed where detectable in the PDF structure.

Tables: Tables with clear grid structure are converted to RTF table objects. Complex nested or borderless tables may become tab-separated text.

Images: Embedded images are included in the RTF output.

Multi-column layouts: Reconstructed as linear text — the exact column layout may differ from the original PDF.

Online Converter vs Desktop Batch Tool

Feature	Online Converter	Total PDF Converter (Desktop)
Batch conversion	One at a time	Yes — whole folders
File size limit	50 MB	No limit
OCR for scanned PDFs	Yes	Yes
Table preservation	Yes	Yes
Image inclusion	Yes	Yes
Command-line automation	No	Yes
Price	Free	From $49.90 one-time

Feature	Online Converters	CoolUtils Desktop	Adobe Editor	Other Software
Batch Conversion	Limited	✅ Unlimited	Manual only	Limited
File Size Limit	1-5MB	✅ No limits	System dependent	Varies
Privacy & Security	Upload required	✅ 100% offline	✅ Local only	Varies
Conversion Speed	Internet dependent	✅ Fast local processing	Slow	Medium
Advanced Options	Basic	✅ Full customization	Limited	Basic
Cost	Free/Premium	One-time purchase	Requires Office	Subscription
Formatting Preservation	Good	✅ Excellent	Good	Varies
Multiple Formats Support	Limited	✅ 40+ formats	Few formats	Limited

Convert to RTF

Using CoolUtils, it is possible to convert a variety of other formats to RTF files:

PDF to RTF

DOCX to RTF

File extension	.PDF
Category	Document File
Description	Adobe Systems Portable Document Format (PDF) format provides all the contents of a printed document in electronic form, including text and images, as well as technical details like links, scales, graphs, and interactive content. You can open this file in free Acrobat Reader and scroll through the page or the entire document, which is generally one or more pages. The PDF format is used to save pre-designed periodicals, brochures, and flyers.
Associated programs	Adobe Viewer Ghostscript Ghostview Xpdf CoolUtils PDF Viewer
Developed by	Adobe Systems
MIME type	application/pdf application/x-pdf
Useful links	More detailed information on PDF files
Conversion type	PDF to RTF

File extension	.RTF
Category	Document File
Description	RTF is a text file type for exchanging data between various platforms and text editors. This format is friendlier to word processors than HTML. Originally it was a meta-tag format for MS Word, and now it is widely used by numerous third-party office packages. The supported character packs include ANSI, Macintosh, IPM PC, PC-8. RTF is a unite format for all operating systems, the same file is compatible with all apps that support RTF. Besides texts, RTF file contains control commands.
Associated programs	AbiWord Kword Microsoft Word TextEdit WordPad
Developed by	Microsoft
MIME type	text/rtf application/rtf
Useful links	More detailed information on RTF files