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Convert RTF to HTML - Make Documents Web-Ready

Transform RTF documents into clean HTML for websites and blogs.

Step 1: Upload your files

You can also Drag and drop files.

Step 2: Choose format
Step 3: Convert files

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Need to Put Your Document Online?

You have an RTF file with all your formatted text, but you need it in HTML to publish on your website, blog, or content management system. RTF files can't be displayed directly in web browsers, but HTML is the native language of the web.

Converting RTF to HTML preserves your document's formatting while making it ready for online publication. In our testing, the conversion maintains headings, bold and italic text, lists, and paragraph structure with high accuracy.

How to Convert RTF to HTML

  1. Upload your RTF file - Drag and drop or click to select your Rich Text document
  2. Choose HTML as output - HTML is selected as your web-compatible format
  3. Download your HTML - Get clean, structured HTML ready for your website

The entire process happens in your browser. No software to install, no account needed.

Why Convert RTF to HTML?

RTF (Rich Text Format) was designed for document exchange between word processors. HTML (HyperText Markup Language) is designed for displaying content in web browsers. Here's when the conversion makes sense:

  • Website content - Publish articles, guides, or documentation online
  • Blog posts - Import formatted content into WordPress, Ghost, or other CMS platforms
  • Email newsletters - Create HTML emails from your RTF drafts
  • Knowledge bases - Add documentation to help centers and wikis
  • Web archives - Make old RTF documents accessible through a browser

If you have RTF files that need to reach an online audience, HTML is the format that gets them there.

What Gets Preserved in Conversion

RTF and HTML handle formatting differently, but most common elements transfer well:

  • Text styling - Bold, italic, and underlined text convert to HTML tags
  • Headings - Section headers become proper H1-H6 HTML elements
  • Lists - Bulleted and numbered lists translate to ul/ol elements
  • Paragraphs - Text blocks maintain their structure
  • Links - Hyperlinks in RTF become clickable HTML links

Complex layouts with tables, columns, or precise positioning may need adjustments after conversion. Simple, well-structured documents convert with minimal cleanup required.

RTF vs HTML: Key Differences

Understanding what makes these formats different helps set expectations:

  • Purpose - RTF is for editing in word processors; HTML is for displaying in browsers
  • Styling - RTF embeds styles directly; HTML separates structure from CSS styling
  • Compatibility - RTF needs a word processor; HTML opens in any web browser
  • Size - HTML files are typically smaller than equivalent RTF documents
  • Editing - RTF is easier for authors; HTML is easier for developers

RTF originated in 1987 as a universal document format. HTML emerged in 1993 as the foundation of the World Wide Web. Both serve their purposes well, but for online content, HTML is the clear choice.

Alternative Formats to Consider

Depending on your goal, another output format might work better:

  • RTF to PDF - Best for documents that need to look identical everywhere, like contracts or reports
  • RTF to DOCX - Ideal if you're moving content into Microsoft Word for further editing
  • RTF to TXT - When you only need the text without any formatting

Choose HTML when your content needs to be displayed in web browsers or integrated into websites.

Works on Any Device

Our RTF to HTML converter runs entirely in your browser:

  • Windows, Mac, Linux, Chromebook
  • Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge
  • iPhone, iPad, Android tablets and phones

No downloads required. Your files stay on your device throughout the conversion process.

Pro Tip

After conversion, run your HTML through a validator (like W3C Validator) to catch any structural issues. Clean HTML ranks better in search engines and renders consistently across browsers.

Common Mistake

Copying RTF content directly into a CMS without converting first. This often brings hidden formatting that causes display problems. Always convert to clean HTML first.

Best For

Publishing word processor documents to websites, blogs, or help documentation systems where content needs to be displayed in a browser.

Not Recommended

Skip HTML conversion if you need the document for printing with exact layout preservation. Use PDF instead for print-ready output that looks identical everywhere.

Frequently Asked Questions

RTF (Rich Text Format) is a document format developed by Microsoft in 1987. It supports text formatting like bold, italic, fonts, and colors while remaining compatible across different word processors. RTF files use the .rtf extension.

Most common formatting transfers well: bold, italic, underline, headings, lists, and paragraph structure. Complex elements like precise layouts, tables with specific widths, or embedded fonts may need manual adjustment after conversion.

Yes. The converted HTML can be pasted into your CMS, used as a standalone web page, or integrated into existing site templates. You may want to add CSS styling to match your site's design.

Images embedded in RTF files are converted to base64-encoded data or referenced separately. For best results with image-heavy documents, review the output and ensure images display correctly in your target environment.

The converter handles typical document sizes efficiently. Very large RTF files with many images or complex formatting may take longer to process. For extremely large files, consider splitting them into smaller sections.

Yes. Upload multiple RTF files and convert them all to HTML in one batch operation. This saves time when migrating many documents to web format.

HTML is the native web format, meaning browsers render it directly without plugins. HTML content is searchable by search engines, responsive to screen sizes, and can include interactive elements. PDF is better for fixed-layout documents meant for printing or downloading.

Yes. The conversion happens in your browser locally. Your RTF files are not uploaded to external servers, ensuring your documents remain private throughout the process.

Any web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge) opens HTML files directly. Text editors, code editors, and CMS platforms can also work with HTML. It's one of the most universally supported file formats.

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