Free online ODT to RTF converter

A recipient may require an RTF document because their word processor, records system, or older software does not reliably open ODT files. Converting it keeps the text editable and preserves common formatting for broader compatibility.

What the ODT format is

ODT is the OpenDocument Text format, an open standard based on XML and normally stored in a ZIP container. LibreOffice Writer, Apache OpenOffice Writer, Collabora Office, and other OpenDocument-compatible programs create ODT files. Linux users, schools, government organizations, and offices using open-standard software commonly exchange this format.

ODT supports styles, headings, tables, images, footnotes, page layouts, fields, comments, and tracked changes. Its formatting model differs from Microsoft Word and RTF, so a conversion should be checked in the application that will open the result.

What the RTF format is

RTF, or Rich Text Format, is a document format developed by Microsoft. It stores text and markup for fonts, character formatting, paragraphs, tables, and some images or embedded objects. Microsoft Word, LibreOffice, TextEdit on macOS, and many document-management or legacy applications can open RTF files.

RTF is useful when a document must remain editable but the recipient cannot use ODT. It preserves common features such as bold text, italics, font selection, alignment, lists, and basic tables more reliably than plain text. It does not represent every modern word-processing feature, and its files may be larger than equivalent plain-text or ODT files.

How to convert an ODT file to RTF

LibreOffice Writer provides the most consistent free desktop workflow:

1. Open the .odt file in LibreOffice Writer.
2. Choose File → Save As.
3. Set the file type to Rich Text Format (.rtf).
4. Select the destination, enter a filename ending in .rtf, and choose Save.
5. If a format-warning dialog appears, choose Use Rich Text Format rather than retaining the ODT format.
6. Open the new RTF in the recipient’s target application and inspect its layout before sending it.

LibreOffice can also convert files in scripts or batches without opening its graphical interface:

soffice --headless --convert-to rtf --outdir output document.odt

The command places the converted file in output. Create that directory first if necessary, and quote paths containing spaces, for example:

soffice --headless --convert-to rtf --outdir "/path/to/output" "/path/to/my document.odt"

For a one-time conversion without installing software, use the free converter on 101convert.com: upload the ODT file, select RTF, start the conversion, and download the resulting .rtf file. Do not upload confidential documents unless the service’s current privacy and retention terms are acceptable.

Quality and compatibility limits

Plain text, paragraph formatting, common fonts, simple lists, ordinary images, and basic tables usually transfer well. Complex styles, page-specific layouts, headers and footers, fields, comments, tracked changes, nested tables, text wrapping, drawing objects, charts, formulas, and some footnotes may be changed, flattened, or omitted because RTF cannot represent all ODT features consistently.

Use fonts installed on the receiving computer, and review or accept tracked changes before exporting when revision history is not required. Check page breaks, tables, images, headers, footnotes, and special characters in the final RTF. Keep the original ODT as the editable master and treat the RTF as a compatibility copy.