ChangeMyFile - Free Online File ConverterChangeMyFile
Trusted by thousands of users worldwide

Convert ODT to RTF - Share Documents Universally

Transform OpenDocument files to Rich Text Format. Works in virtually any word processor.

Step 1: Upload your files

You can also Drag and drop files.

Step 2: Choose format
Step 3: Convert files

Read Terms of use before using

Share:fXin@
500+ Formats
Lightning Fast
100% Secure
Always Free
Cloud Processing

OpenDocument Files Not Opening?

You created a document in LibreOffice or OpenOffice and need to share it with someone who uses different software. They say they cannot open your ODT file. This is a common problem when working across different office suites.

Rich Text Format (RTF) solves this compatibility issue. RTF is one of the oldest document formats still in active use, and virtually every word processor from the past 35 years can open it. Converting your ODT to RTF takes seconds and ensures your document is accessible to everyone.

How to Convert ODT to RTF

  1. Upload your ODT file - Drag and drop or click to select your OpenDocument file
  2. Confirm RTF as output - RTF is selected as your target format
  3. Download your RTF file - Ready to share with anyone

No account required, no software to install. The conversion happens right in your browser.

ODT vs RTF - What Changes?

Both formats preserve your text, basic formatting, and document structure. Here is what to expect:

  • Text and paragraphs - Fully preserved with fonts and sizes
  • Bold, italic, underline - All basic styling transfers correctly
  • Lists and indentation - Bullet points and numbered lists work fine
  • Tables - Simple tables convert well; complex nested tables may simplify
  • Images - Embedded images are preserved in the RTF output

In our testing, standard business documents, reports, and letters convert with near-perfect fidelity. Advanced ODT features like embedded spreadsheets or complex macros do not transfer, as RTF is designed for document content rather than application features.

When to Use RTF

Sharing with Legacy Systems

Some organizations still run older software that does not recognize ODT. RTF works with WordPad (included with every Windows installation since 1995), older versions of Microsoft Word, and countless other applications.

Collaborating with Non-Technical Recipients

When sending documents to clients or colleagues who are not tech-savvy, RTF just works. They double-click and it opens. No codec warnings, no download prompts, no confusion.

Cross-Platform Document Exchange

Working with people on Windows, Mac, and Linux? RTF opens natively on all three. The recipient does not need to install OpenOffice, LibreOffice, or any special viewer.

Publishing Workflows

Many publishers, editors, and book formatters request RTF files. It is a neutral format that imports cleanly into professional publishing software without carrying application-specific code.

Alternative Formats to Consider

RTF is excellent for compatibility, but depending on your needs, other formats might be better:

  • ODT to DOCX - If the recipient uses modern Microsoft Word, DOCX preserves more formatting features than RTF
  • ODT to PDF - When you need the document to look identical on every device and prevent editing
  • ODT to TXT - For pure text extraction without any formatting

Choose RTF when broad compatibility matters more than advanced features. Choose DOCX for modern Office users. Choose PDF for final documents that should not be changed.

Works on Any Device

Our converter runs entirely in your browser:

  • Windows, Mac, Linux, Chromebook
  • Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge
  • Tablets and mobile devices

No downloads, no plugins, no Java or Flash required. If you can access this webpage, you can convert ODT to RTF.

Pro Tip

Before converting, remove any OpenDocument-specific features like embedded spreadsheet objects or database connections. These will not transfer to RTF and may cause unexpected gaps in your converted document.

Common Mistake

Assuming RTF will preserve everything. Complex tables with merged cells, custom styles, and tracked changes may simplify or disappear. For documents with heavy formatting, preview the RTF output before sending to recipients.

Best For

Sharing documents with recipients on older systems, submitting manuscripts to publishers who request RTF, or distributing files when you do not know what software the recipient uses.

Not Recommended

If both parties use LibreOffice or OpenOffice, keep your files as ODT. Converting to RTF adds a step and removes some native features unnecessarily. Also avoid RTF for final documents that should not be edited - use PDF instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

ODT (OpenDocument Text) is the default document format for LibreOffice and OpenOffice. It is an open standard based on XML, meaning it is not controlled by any single company. ODT files work well in open-source office suites but may not open in all applications.

RTF (Rich Text Format) is a document format created by Microsoft in 1987 for cross-platform document exchange. It stores formatted text, images, and basic document structure in a way that virtually every word processor can read.

Basic formatting like fonts, bold, italic, colors, lists, and tables transfers well. Advanced ODT features like embedded objects, complex styles, or macros may not convert, as RTF is designed for document content rather than application-specific features.

Yes. Every version of Microsoft Word since the 1990s can open and edit RTF files. Word treats RTF as a native format, so recipients can work with your document immediately without any conversion on their end.

RTF has broader compatibility with older software and non-Microsoft applications. DOCX offers more features but requires Word 2007 or newer. For maximum compatibility, especially with legacy systems, RTF is the safer choice.

Yes. Upload multiple ODT files and convert them all to RTF in a single batch. This saves time when preparing multiple documents for distribution.

No. Our online converter handles ODT files directly in your browser. You do not need LibreOffice, OpenOffice, or any other software installed on your computer.

Yes. The conversion happens locally in your browser. Your documents are not uploaded to any server, stored, or accessible to anyone else. Your files remain completely private.

Publishers often request RTF because it imports cleanly into professional layout software without carrying application-specific code or styles. RTF provides a clean foundation that editors can work with regardless of their software preferences.

ODT Conversions & Related Converters

Quick access to the most commonly used file conversions.