Convert RTF to PDF and EPUB: Free Guide

RTF (Rich Text Format) is a legacy but widely compatible format. Here's how to convert RTF files to PDF and EPUB for easier reading on modern devices.

What is RTF?

Rich Text Format (RTF) was developed by Microsoft in 1987:

• Cross-platform: Works on Windows, Mac, Linux
• Formatted text: Supports fonts, colors, styles
• Wide compatibility: Most word processors open RTF
• No vendor lock-in: Open specification
• Larger than plain text: Includes formatting codes

Why Convert RTF?

• PDF for sharing: Fixed layout, looks same everywhere
• EPUB for reading: Works on e-readers
• Archive documents: PDF is better for long-term storage
• Professional presentation: PDF looks more polished

RTF to PDF Methods

Method 1: Word Processor

Open RTF in any word processor and save as PDF:

Microsoft Word

1. Open the RTF file in Word
2. File > Save As (or Export)
3. Choose PDF format
4. Save

LibreOffice Writer (Free)

1. Open RTF in LibreOffice Writer
2. File > Export as PDF
3. Configure settings if needed
4. Click Export

Google Docs (Free, Online)

1. Upload RTF to Google Drive
2. Open with Google Docs
3. File > Download as > PDF Document

Method 2: macOS Preview

1. Open RTF in TextEdit
2. File > Export as PDF
3. Or Print > Save as PDF

RTF to EPUB Methods

Method 1: Calibre (Recommended)

1. Download Calibre (free)
2. Add your RTF file
3. Select the file
4. Click "Convert books"
5. Choose EPUB as output format
6. Configure options if needed
7. Click OK to convert

Method 2: Pandoc (Command Line)

1. Install Pandoc
2. Run: pandoc document.rtf -o document.epub
3. Add options for metadata, TOC, etc.

Method 3: Two-Step Conversion

1. Convert RTF to PDF using word processor
2. Convert PDF to EPUB using CheersPDF

Best Practices

Before Converting

• Check formatting in RTF file
• Clean up unnecessary styles
• Add chapter headings if missing
• Verify images are properly placed

For PDF Output

• Set page size (A4, Letter, etc.)
• Check margins
• Embed fonts for consistent display
• Choose quality level

For EPUB Output

• Use proper heading styles (H1, H2)
• Add metadata (title, author)
• Generate table of contents
• Consider adding a cover

Handling Legacy RTF Files

Older RTF files may have issues:

• Font problems: Fonts may not be available
• Encoding issues: Special characters may display wrong
• Complex formatting: May not convert perfectly

Solutions

• Open in modern word processor first
• Fix any obvious formatting issues
• Save as modern format (.docx) before converting
• Use standard fonts that are widely available

Common Use Cases

Old Documents

• Legacy business files
• Old manuscripts and notes
• Archived reports

Cross-Platform Sharing

• RTF for editing compatibility
• PDF for final distribution
• EPUB for e-reader access

After Creating EPUB

Once you have an EPUB, CheersPDF can create PDF:

1. Convert RTF to EPUB using Calibre
2. Use CheersPDF to create PDF

Editorial Contributor

Written by Layla Youssef

Layla has spent over a decade leading cybersecurity protocols in cloud architectures, focusing strictly on local web-assembly cryptography and zero-trust policies.