RTF to PDF Converter

Convert RTF to PDF online — lock formatting for sharing

Drop files here. 1 GB maximum file size or Sign Up
to
Facebook Amazon Microsoft Tesla Nestle Walmart L'Oreal

Secure Processing

Your RTF files are deleted immediately after upload, and converted PDFs are removed within 24 hours — your data stays private.

Faithful Formatting

RTF to PDF conversion preserves fonts, colors, and layout — your document arrives pixel-perfect on any reader.

Any Device, Any Browser

Run the conversion from a phone, tablet, or desktop. Convertio works entirely in your browser with nothing to install.

How to convert RTF to PDF

1

Select files from Computer, Google Drive, Dropbox, URL or by dragging it on the page.

2

Choose pdf or any other format you need as a result (more than 200 formats supported)

3

Let the file convert and you can download your pdf file right afterwards

About formats

RTF (Rich Text Format) is a document interchange format developed by Microsoft and first published in 1987 with Word 3.0. The format encodes document content and formatting as plain ASCII text using control words (backslash-prefixed commands) and groups (curly-brace-delimited sections) that describe fonts, character formatting, paragraph layout, tables, images, and page setup. Because RTF is fundamentally a text format with no binary components, documents pass cleanly through any text channel — email systems, clipboard operations, and cross-platform transfers — without corruption. Microsoft designed RTF explicitly as a cross-application and cross-platform exchange format, and it achieved broad adoption: virtually every word processor, text editor, and document tool on every operating system has supported RTF reading and writing for decades. One advantage is exceptional cross-platform compatibility — an RTF document created on any application renders with consistent formatting on any other, making it the most reliable format for text exchange between incompatible systems. The text-based structure provides another benefit: RTF files resist corruption, are trivially generated by programs (requiring only string concatenation), and can be debugged by reading the raw markup in a text editor. While RTF lacks modern features like tracked changes and advanced layout controls, and Microsoft declared the specification frozen at version 1.9.1 in 2008, the format persists as a dependable interchange option where DOCX compatibility cannot be assumed.
Developer: Microsoft
Initial release: 1987
PDF (Portable Document Format) was developed by Adobe Systems, co-founded by John Warnock and Charles Geschke, with the first version released on June 15, 1993. Built on a simplified PostScript imaging model, PDF encapsulates complete document descriptions — text with fonts, vector graphics, raster images, and interactive elements — in a self-contained file that renders identically across every platform, device, and printer. The format evolved through multiple versions, culminating in its adoption as international standard ISO 32000-1 in 2008 (PDF 1.7) and ISO 32000-2 in 2017 (PDF 2.0), ensuring long-term vendor independence. PDF supports an extraordinary range of capabilities: digital signatures, form fields, annotations, bookmarks, accessibility tags, encryption, JavaScript, multimedia embedding, 3D content, and archival-specific profiles (PDF/A). One advantage is absolute visual fidelity — a PDF document looks exactly the same whether opened on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, or Android, printed on any printer, or viewed decades after creation. Universal software support is another core strength: PDF viewers are built into every major operating system and web browser, and the format is read by hundreds of applications worldwide. Specialized ISO profiles like PDF/A (archival), PDF/X (print production), and PDF/UA (accessibility) extend the format's reach into regulated industries. PDF has become the global standard for document exchange in business, government, legal, academic, and publishing contexts.
Developer: Adobe Systems
Initial release: June 15, 1993

Frequently Asked Questions

Why convert RTF to PDF?

PDF locks your formatting in place so the document looks identical on every device and operating system — ideal for distribution.

What programs open PDF files?

PDF files open in Adobe Acrobat Reader, web browsers like Chrome and Edge, Preview on macOS, and most mobile readers.

Will fonts look correct after RTF to PDF conversion?

Yes — the converter embeds formatting data so your fonts, styles, and layout carry over accurately into the PDF output.

Is RTF to PDF conversion free on Convertio?

Absolutely. Basic RTF to PDF conversion is free. Premium tiers add extra capacity for high-volume workflows.

How fast is RTF to PDF conversion?

Cloud servers handle the conversion in seconds for most documents. File size and complexity can slightly affect timing.

Can I batch convert multiple RTF files to PDF?

Yes — upload several RTF files at once and convert them all to PDF in a single batch. Each file processes in parallel.

RTF to PDF Quality Rating

4.8 (120,668 votes)
You need to convert and download at least 1 file to provide feedback!